The Spirit are a German black/death metal band and this is their fourth album.
Songs Against Humanity contains 42 minutes of material that combines the melodic strains of both black and death metal. It’s essentially Scandinavian melodic black metal with elements of death metal that provide a technical edge in places.
The promo blurb recommends The Spirit for fans of Harakiri for the Sky, Dissection, Satyricon, Uada, Hypocrisy, and Kataklysm, which is an interesting mix, but should give a decent idea of where the music is coming from. I’d say – think of Dissection as the primary influence, then add in touches of Death’s music, and you’ll have a good understanding of Songs Against Humanity. Amazingly, The Spirit manage to hold their own against these formidable influences, showcasing their own personality across the album.
The blackened aspects of the music steer the ship, while the deathly ones provide foundational stability. There is plenty of melodic intensity and fiery aggression throughout the songs, but The Spirit also include some barnstorming riffs and sharp technical flourishes to round things out. Add to this a selection of blistering solos, emotive leads, and dynamic mood-building sections, and you have a very satisfying record.
The well-written songs are rewarding to get to know, and are charged with a potent melodic energy that’s infectious. They feel very old in structure, despite their modern veneer, and I mean that as a compliment; the songwriting is timeless and tested, giving rise to a catchy and addictive record.
Songs Against Humanity is an easily enjoyable album. It’s straightforward and direct, while still packing a good amount into the songs. The Spirit’s mix of melodic black and death metal is well-realised, with a professional presentation and production. Basically, Songs Against Humanity boasts a strong package all-round.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 