Klabautamann – Smaragd (2017)

Hailing from Germany, today we have one of the most original and downright weird releases of 2017. On “Smaragd”, this dynamic duo delivers 53-minutes of a mixture of Progressive Black Metal with tons of Jazzy and Folky influences, creating a very engaging sound unlike anything you have heard before. If you are into highly experimental music that defies the boundaries of genres, this is definitely the release for you.

Opening with the moody “Into Depression”, the band slowly leads the listener down to their magical universe. This track starts off very Jazzy as it weaves back and forth between heavy passages and emotional acoustic interludes with killer guitar leads. Just when you think you have figured the out, the band delivers the raw onslaught of “My Terrifying Mirror”, with a furiously crushing opening that slowly morphs into madness. The band’s ability to change course mid-song and between songs, it is quite impressive creating magical contrasts and keeping the listener on their toes (eg. transitioning into the Proggy/Occult Rock elements of “In My Shadow”).

Invoking their inner Opeth, the band delivers the Proggy/Jazzy goods with “As the Snow Melted”, instantly after the raw brutality of “Under Feral Skies”. Slowly introducing clean vocals into the mix, “The Murderers” is definitely one of the songs when the band incorporates most of their unique elements into a very cohesive and engaging track. We particularly enjoy how improvisational this song feels. For those looking for the heavier side of the band, tracks like “Enemies Blood” are a testament that their Black Metal influences will not wither or be minimized.

As a personal favorite, the album title track perfectly blends in both of the band’s main influences, creating a very unique and enjoyable musical experience. Overall, “Smaragd” is one hell of a unique release that will take more than a couple listens to fully digest. Klabautamann is a duo filled with interesting ideas that makes them work to perfection. If you are in the market for something Proggy/Jazzy/Heavy, you are in luck as this album will blow you away.

Label: Zeitgeister Music

Release: June 6th, 2017

Genre: Avant-garde Metal

Country: Germany