CoC : Winterblut - Der 6. Danach : Review

Winterblut - _Der 6. Danach_
(Darker Than Black Records, 2000)
by: Alvin Wee (6.5 out of 10)

Yet another Teutonic obscurity from the stables of Darker Than Black, a label known for its blatant anti-Semitism, if little else. An interesting release, _D6D_ features four chapters of varying music. The first part is a rather perturbing mess of low-key synth, electronic drumming and guttural sneering. Not exactly a promising start. Things look up with the second chapter as rather run-of-the-mill Norse-style black metal takes over. Winterblut (as the sole member) is rather fixated on his keyboards, and while he may be no Charmand Grimloch, the melodies he churns forth aren't half bad either. Things proceed at a surprisingly leisurely pace over the next tracks, not something one expects from raw, underground acts like this. Enjoyable, if not exactly adrenaline-pumping stuff. Chapter three brings dejectedly rasped vocals against the backdrop of sparse keyboards and monotonous drumming. Not exactly inspired stuff, especially since Abigor's infinitely better attempt (on their debut) is brought to mind. Chapter four isn't much different; more synth noodling with even more obscure vocals doesn't offer much more than suicidal depression. Three tracks of that, and we're at the end of this 72 minute curiosity. Not everyone's cup of tea, but certainly a fascinating album to discover. Darker Than Black has sister-labels in the States and Canada, so check out their website if profound NS-sympathies don't annoy you.

Contact: http://paganfront.cjb.net

(article published 12/8/2000)