Eisregen – Todestage (2013)

Eisregen has always been one of our ‘guilty’ pleasures band since their amazing (and controversial) “Krebskolonie” album. With “Todestage” the band delivers almost every single element that we loved from that album, but with a cleaner production and a great deal of more maturity in their sound. Presenting 12 tracks of their deranged brand of Death Metal, this release has everything a fan of the band could expect and more.

Opening with the creepy “Waldgott”, the band immediately sets the mood for a sick release with tense atmospheric elements and the band’s sickening brand of Metal. The album continues in a ‘festive’ way with melodic and catchy tracks like “Todestag”, “DSDSL”, and “Hollenfahrt”. However, do not think that the band is only up to theatrics and antics, there are fine pieces of harsh and pummeling Metal filled with punishing riffs and powerful drumming.

“Lang Lebe Die Nadel” is the first of several tracks that really spoke to us with its very mellow atmospheric approach. This track reminds us a lot of the sickening tunes of the awesome “Krebskolonie” album and their simple-yet-memorable atmospheric elements. The same can be said for the mysterious “Oh Wie Sie Schrie”, another amazingly atmospheric piece of music. Things more into catchier and funkier territories with “Mitternacht” and the somewhat jazzy “Ostern Am Narbenhimmel”, a very impressive and uncharacteristic song for the band.

Just before the album’s end we are treated to the circus-esque “Seele Mein”, the best song in this release in our opinion. The ‘romantic’ keyboards work great with the sick vocals and the punishing guitars, creating a very thick and punishing atmosphere. Eisregen really goes on a crazy tangent with the techno/industrial “Eisenherz”, a crazy fun track that needs to be heard before people start hating on the band.

Overall, “Todestage” is one of those near perfect releases that mix tons of elements and yet showcase the unique sickness behind Eisregen. If you like the band’s more theatrical and funky stuff, this album is perfect for you.

Label: Massacre Records

Release: November 15th, 2013

Genre: Dark Metal

Country: Germany