Hjel - Kalte Asche - guest review
Hjel - Kalte Asche - guest review
Tracklist
01. Im Nebel02. Ruinen
03. Kalte Asche
04. Untergang
05. Ende
Guest review by
Metren September 26, 2016
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 | September 26, 2016
Guest review disclaimer:
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
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
35 users
 Posts: 684 |
Posts: 684
Hey! Thanks a lot for all the kind words, very appreciated  Let's see what the future brings...
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 Posts: 659 |
Posts: 659
I found "Ruinen" on YouTube last week and enjoyed it so much, will definitely give this album a try!
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 Posts: 1533 |
Posts: 1533 Written by Windrider on 26.09.2016 at 13:29 You earned it, man! Best of luck!
---- My one-man project's Bandcamp with free downloads: https://dreadrealm.bandcamp.com/
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| Posts: 684 |
Posts: 684 Written by Paz on 27.09.2016 at 14:52 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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Posts: 4282 Written by Windrider on 28.09.2016 at 21:28 Ok. I'll have to catch up asap!
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Posts: 1533 Written by cobrapel on 18.11.2016 at 15:41 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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