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Hjel - Kalte Asche review




Bandcamp music player
Reviewer:
7.5

8 users:
7.5
Band: Hjel
Album: Kalte Asche
Release date: July 2016


01. Im Nebel
02. Ruinen
03. Kalte Asche
04. Untergang
05. Ende

Those who follow Hjel on Facebook probably know that Kalte Asche is an album that essentially got written twice. According to the one-man project's mastermind, Max, at one point he threw most of the material he'd written in the trash and started over, to create an album that was more than "just OK." How good or bad the first version of the album would have turned out to be, we'll never know, but it doesn't matter. What matters is that the hard work put into Hjel's first album paid off and the result is an impressive debut.

Kalte Asche does so many things so right in the songwriting department that it is borderline unbelievable that it is Hjel's very first full-length album. Charmingly simple riffs and melodies are combined into moderately lengthy tracks in a truly skilled way, resulting in music that is instantly satisfying, but also doesn't give everything away immediately and invites repeat listens. The listener will remember individual moments very well after just a few spins, but the songs as a whole aren't so easy to digest. There's enough variety in the music as well, with some simple, but beautiful acoustic passages and expertly-placed tempo changes. Occasionally, a melody or a riff is repeated too many times, but that is quite easy to forgive, when taking into account everything the album does well.

In addition to being a good songwriter, Max is also an excellent growler. His vocal performance is cold (in a good way), powerful and enthralling and is probably the best thing about the album.

If one was to look for a serious flaw on the album, the search would be futile. While it's not a very original work, what Kalte Asche lacks in originality, it makes up for in almost every other area. Hjel's debut is thus one to be treasured by fans of black metal, not only as a good album, but also as a strong sign of even greater things to come.


Rating breakdown
Performance: 9
Songwriting: 8
Originality: 6
Production: 7

Written by Metren | 26.09.2016




Guest review disclaimer:
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.


Comments

Comments: 8   Visited by: 34 users
26.09.2016 - 13:29
Windrider
Raureif
Hey! Thanks a lot for all the kind words, very appreciated Let's see what the future brings...
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26.09.2016 - 14:32
Rating: 9
BloodJuNkie
Of Egypt
I found "Ruinen" on YouTube last week and enjoyed it so much, will definitely give this album a try!
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26.09.2016 - 15:45
Rating: 7
Metren
Dreadrealm
Written by Windrider on 26.09.2016 at 13:29

Hey! Thanks a lot for all the kind words, very appreciated Let's see what the future brings...


You earned it, man! Best of luck!
----
My one-man project's Bandcamp with free downloads: https://dreadrealm.bandcamp.com/
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27.09.2016 - 14:52
Paz
Nuclear Cowboy
I still haven't heard it.

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28.09.2016 - 21:28
Windrider
Raureif
Written by Paz on 27.09.2016 at 14:52

I still haven't heard it.



Shame on you
Depending on what I heard of others how it sounds like and your collection, it could fit your taste.
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29.09.2016 - 08:17
Paz
Nuclear Cowboy
Written by Windrider on 28.09.2016 at 21:28

Shame on you
Depending on what I heard of others how it sounds like and your collection, it could fit your taste.

Ok. I'll have to catch up asap!
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18.11.2016 - 15:41
Rating: 9
cobrapel
Concept One
Very good album and maybe more! A pleasant surprise
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18.11.2016 - 15:52
Rating: 7
Metren
Dreadrealm
Written by cobrapel on 18.11.2016 at 15:41

Very good album and maybe more! A pleasant surprise


It really is a good album. I'm still diggin' it to this day. Hope more people will discover Max and Hjel, he's so earned it
----
My one-man project's Bandcamp with free downloads: https://dreadrealm.bandcamp.com/
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