Genre: Black metal
Origin: Germany
Released: 2009
Website: -
Label: Black Devastation Records
Uploaded: 16.02.10

Here we go with another Erhabenheit record, a band that caught my attention with their Vom tempel zum throne album from 2006, and made me an instant fan. This time it’s a re-release of an old EP, but with bonus tracks originally found on their splits with Wolfsschrei and Wolfthorn. Once again they prove to be a supreme black metal act, by far surpassing any of the big names of the genre in brutality.
At a first glance (or listen, I suppose) it kind of sounds like raw black but with a slightly better production than one’s used to from such a style. But damn, this is so freaking rad. I’d say one of the best tracks on here is Vom irrlauf in den eisenwäldern, ‘cause back to the roots black metal just doesn’t get any better than this. It’s chaotic, harsh, crude, raw and whatever other adjective you might find fitting to throw their way. The fast drumming has some minor hiccups when it doesn’t sound exactly in line with the riffing, but it has such an atmosphere about it; just a true love for black metal and with a genuine contempt for the world and its inhabitants. Riffing-wise it’s very slick, oozing of melody without a flaw, providing an extremely haunting and chilling atmosphere. Most of the material is set at a rather slow to mid tempo, which lets the riffing take on a more prominent approach. And they have some really wicked melodic guitar lines that never falter in crudeness despite the obvious prowess in melody. Vocally they go for a desperate and harsh scream. It doesn’t sound like they’re trying to sound evil or grim, they just scream bloody murder – and it works oh-so-magnificently.
The production is bleak and rough, but without getting too dawn raw. The two ending tracks have a much cruder sound, but still listenable and enjoyable. I’m not really sure what else to say about Erhabenheit. They’ve managed to do what so many other acts fail at; to deliver minimalistic and raw music that still packs a punch, and actually has something to offer. Their approach to a genre flooded by posers sounds genuine. It’s unpolished and rough around the edges, but still a true gem of the underground.

Tracklist:
01. Vom eintritt in die eisenwälder
02. Traum der toten sonnen
03. Vom irrlauf in den eisenwäldern
04. Fragmente einer wahrnehmung
05. Vom verlust der kristallfunken
06. Um einst zu herrschen
07. Künder des untergangs
08. Vom kreisen der geier