Band:	Verdunkeln
Album:	Einblick In Den Qualenfall
Style:	Psychedelic black metal
Release date:	May 2007

01. In Die Irre
02. Im Zwiespalt
03. Der Quell
04. Die Saat Der Klinge
05. Der Herrscher
06. Auf Freiem Felde

It took me less than thirty seconds to realize that this album is special. The opening psychedelic passage that bounces purposefully throughout the duration of the intro sets the tone for what is an amazing journey through one of the most unique black metal albums I've ever heard. With Einblick In Den Qualenfall, Verdunkeln have created a masterpiece of immense atmosphere that tickles me in all the right places each time I give it a listen.

Einblick In Den Qualenfall wastes no time grabbing the listener's attention, and never lets it go across its running span of over an hour. Much of this engagement is due to the fact that the album is just so damn varied. Each of the six tracks offer their own style, which can range from a dark, enigmatic trance to an almost upbeat style that wouldn't sound out of place on a Falkenbach album. Although this album features massive variation, each of the tracks is undoubtedly rooted in black metal. Tremolo riffs are dispersed between classic black metal chords all interlaced with a keyboard backdrop constantly shifting between haunting atmospherics and psychedelia. Vicious, tortured vocals often layered upon soft cleans, as well as pounding mid paced drums, give the album a strong backbone.

The meat of the album is comprised of two "epic"-length tracks, "Im Zwiespalt" and "Der Herrscher." Both of these tracks remind me of a black metal version of early-era Katatonia. "Im Zweispalt" sounds a lot like something from Dance Of December Souls, while "Der Herrscher" is more reminiscent of "Brave." Although these are the highlights of the album, the tracks sandwiched between them are by no means filler tracks. The shorter tracks are still engaging affairs and are often faster paced than the aforementioned epics. The outro track wraps up the album nicely with a melodic chant and warm atmosphere, which leaves an oddly happy impression, when comparing this album to others in the genre. It is definitely a welcome surprise. The production on the album could not be better. Every nuance is heard clearly, but at the same time does not sound overproduced, which is essential to the atmosphere created.

I am by no means a black metal connoisseur, only having listened to the genre for three years. That being said, I can honestly say that this album has left such an impression on me that I will never forget it; no matter how much more music is out there for me to hear. I highly recommend both newcomers and veterans to the genre to give this gem a shot.