Album Review: Antrisch - Expedition III: Renitenzpfad
Reviewed by Oli Gonzalez
Making their UK debut at Fortress Festival this June, many on the island may not be familiar with Germany’s Antrisch. Though a simple trip to YouTube will demonstrate why they’re earning a reputation on mainland Europe as one of the fastest rising in the black metal world, largely due to their flamboyant and captivating theatrical performances. These shows are often full album play throughs, albums that exist not as random conglomerates of songs but rather representing a carefully written and crafted concept. Every song is as important as the last in bringing the narrative to life, with stage props and attire to match. Take the second album for instance, “Expedition II: Die Passage”. Chronicling the ultimately failed expedition of Sir John Franklin to the final section of the North West passage, in which all members of the crew perished in the cold once they became trapped in the ice, and some even resorting to cannibalism in an ultimately futile attempt to avoid starvation! How metal is that?! More importantly, this gives insight into the creative mindsets of Antrisch and the level of detail they pour into their song writing.
So, what’s their upcoming album “Expedition III: Renitenzpfad” all about? Well, to be truthful, I went into the album (hereafter simply “Expedition III”) blind and not knowing the lyrical themes, and as such, I’ll temporarily hold back on these details. Instead, let’s talk about the music.
This definitely isn’t one designed to dip in and out, song by song. Sure, there’s some highs and more interesting parts though. Instead, “Expedition III” is one which demands to be consumed in it’s entirety from start to finish, back to front, in order to become fully immersed in what truly is a work of art! At times, it’s everything you’d expect from an atmospheric black metal album; leaning on the tried and tested formula of slower ambient segments to build tension and intrigue, before unleashing hell with wall after wall of crushing atmosphere that threatens to consume everything in it’s path! Antrisch do this time and time again, and are so good at it. Though this feels fresh and original when compared to others in the genre.
See, Otto (Bass) and Noel (drums) do a phenomenal job at holding down the thunderous rhythm section but not with the typical and almost cliché blast beats. Instead, they offer rhythmic patterns that are ferocious as they are groovy and hypnotic! This provides the perfect platform for Robert and Alexander’s dual guitar assault. Opulent and aesthetic whilst sharp and deadly in equal portions, they remain the melodic focal point for the majority of the album, making casual fans and seasoned musicians purr in equal amounts of admiration.
The canonical song-verse song structure is tossed aside and no segment is ever repeated. This is necessary for the intricate song writing they’re trying to achieve, allowing the album’s momentum to continuously ebb and flow with constant fresh stimulus keeping you engaged.
In the mid-point of the album, we’re introduced to the warm and soothing sounds of flamenco style acoustic guitars. As such, you’d be forgiven if you thought you were listening to a ‘Sounds of Andalusia’ style compilation album. Which leads us nicely onto the theme of this album and the rational for this inclusion. Here, Antrisch tell the narrative of conquistador Lope de Aguirre. Born into a wealthy aristocratic family but ventured to South America in search of fame and fortune, and adventure. He orchestrated a rebellion against the crown would ultimately fail and his lust for blood would become his downfall as he was surrounded by Spanish soldiers at his
final stand before being executed. Sounds like a pretty cool story right? Well, with the band being German this means the narrative is spoken in their native tongue which I sadly do not speak and cannot follow. This is very much a me problem though and it would be interesting to hear a German speaking person’s take on this.
With this being said, language barriers are no barriers to feeling the intensity and emotion behind the final song which serves as a thrilling crescendo such are the huge climaxes and the biblical levels of cathartic release this provides! The music is frantic and chaotic which raises your heart rate, before eventually tossing you into the blackened and desolate abyss reeling and processing what just transpired.
Perhaps understanding the story of Lope de Aguirre helps to understand the musical narrative being portrayed here, or at least provides a reference point for interpretation. Which could be used to summarise the experience of Antrisch - because it is an experience. It requires a bit more effort than other black metal bands and perhaps a bit more investment. This won’t appease the fast food society who want instant gratification and pleasure on demand. Antrisch don’t offer that. Instead they offer a rich and rewarding immersive experience into the deepest darkest chasms of the human psyche, venturing where others have never ventured before.
