This is the fifth album from Austrian solo black metal band Rauhnåcht.
My last encounter with Rauhnåcht was 11 years ago (!) on Urzeitgeist, so I’m long overdue a visit to these pagan black metal lands. Across 41 minutes of material, Zwischenwelten reveals an artist that has apparently only continued to refine and improve his art over time.
Zwischenwelten blends elements of the folk and pagan styles into its atmospheric black metal framework, resulting in a well-rounded album that represents the style well. The artist behind Rauhnåcht is very experienced at this point, and this is well-crafted, and an easy record to enjoy. You can hear Bathory and Summoning influences, but this is blended with a mix of bands such as Drudkh, Kampfar, SIG:AR:TYR, Skogen, and Winterfylleth.
The music is epic, but dark with it. This arises from a range of components, be it guitar leads, clean vocals, synths, or a blending of elements; these are all effective and well-realised, and the melodies in particular often become quite memorable and hummable, surprisingly quickly too. There are moments that uplift and soar to the heavens, but there’s also a counterpoint to this that’s sharp and harsh. Aggression is incorporated well, either fuelling the esoteric atmospheres or complementing them. The artist behind Rauhnåcht has struck a great balance here, as many bands playing this style cross the line into waters that are too upbeat and positive for my tastes. Zwischenwelten is a record with a foundation of darkness that allows the listener to dive deep into the shadows, while also enjoying an epic experience.
This is a very enjoyable collection of songs. In the 11 years since I’ve heard the band last, the artist has clearly not stagnated. Zwischenwelten is a superior album to Urzeitgeist, and I’ve been thoroughly satisfied by its compelling, well-constructed experience.
For an absorbing and highly enjoyable slice of atmospheric black metal – with both an epic streak and fierce blackened bite – then make sure you check out Zwischenwelten.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 