Description
Switzerland’s Tardigrada have managed to firmly establish themselves as a leading figure in atmospherically tinged extreme metal music. On “Vom Bruch bis zur Freiheit”, the band showcases a keen understanding of what has become their very own distinct sonic palette, while allowing for alterations in performance and presentation to further enrich their sound. In particular, vocal duties on the record are handled primarily by Threnos, whose more mid-range focused approach lends these songs a certain immediacy and impact. This change in vocal performance is partially due to the lyrics for “Vom Bruch bis zur Freiheit” being written by Threnos himself in the band’s native Swiss-German dialect. This slightly more guttural range than the band has been known for in the past creates increased diversity, as Kryptos’ higher pitched vocals being scattered throughout the record present a stirring contrast and emphasis, showcased to great effect on the track “Verrat”.
Musically, Tardigrada demonstrates a strong sense for composition, allowing melodies carried primarily by a dense wall of soaring guitars to develop and envelop listeners in a deep, ever flowing stream of broad sound. The guitar melodies are regularly contrasted and complimented by the bass performance, courtesy of session member T., which truly enriches these songs, providing them with further counterpoints that are revealed upon repeated listens. Finally, H.A.T.T.’s drum performance is characterized by rhythmic restraint, allowing the immersive melodies to shine, whilst showcasing a profound sense for musicality and accentuation throughout the record. “Vom Bruch bis zur Freiheit” was recorded at Iguana Studios and mixed and mastered by Christoph Brandes, as was the album’s predecessor.
Nevertheless, this record’s production provides somewhat of a contrast to the band’s debut, as necessitated by the more immediate approach in performance. The album’s artwork, spanning the front and back cover of the record, was created by the artist Vincent, who had previously created the artwork of the band’s 2012 demo “Widrstand”. It serves as a perfect visual compliment to the album’s lyrical themes, detailing the collapse and decomposition of all and the eventual release into freedom.
GENRE: Atmospheric Black Metal
BARCODE: 4260393743847
TRACKLISTING:
Side A:
1. VI (02:17)
2. Verrat (13:16)
Side B:
3. VII (01:45)
4. Zwang (10:42)
Side C:
5. VIII (01:27)
6. Trugschluss Vertraue (12.01)
Side D:
7. IX (00:41)
8. Vom Bruch bis zur Freiheit (16:39)
