Der Weg Einer Freiheit – Innern (Review)

This is the sixth album from German black metal band Der Weg Einer Freiheit.

Innern is the greatly anticipated follow up to 2017’s Finisterre and 2021’s Noktvrn, the latter placing prominently on my 2021 end of year list, (which in retrospect Finisterre should also have done in 2017). It’s safe to say that I’ve been excitedly looking forward to this new record, especially after seeing the band at last year’s Fortress Festival.

Gifting us with 43 minutes of new material spread out across six tracks, Der Weg Einer Freiheit once again deliver a masterclass in sophisticated blackened art. Der Weg Einer Freiheit synthesise blackened fury and haunting atmospheric depth like few others, and Innern is their latest success. It’s sophisticated modern black metal art, yet doesn’t neglect the raging aggression that you would want to see from the style. In fact, this aggression largely powers the album, no matter how forlorn, delicate, or expressive the material becomes.

Innern is a contemporary progressive/post-black metal album that takes an introspective approach to its melodic aggression. The introspection manifests as an enriching of the harsh intensity of much of the material, making for an album that combines both atmospheric weight and scathing extremity remarkably well. The latter aspect of the music showcases a side of Der Weg Einer Freiheit that I really like – sleek, lethal, well-executed melodic, and ferocious. A large amount of Innern is fast and serrated, but also imbued deeply with emotion. On top of this, the band craft immersive atmospheric soundscapes that are captivating and involving. Taken together, this allows Innern to take the listener on a journey into emotion-rich, well-rendered worldbuilding.

The songs are expansive and saturated in feeling, having an immediate presence that strikes you as a notable one. Over time their true impact is felt, as the nuanced drumming, aching melodies, grandiose keyboards, piercing vocals, and other musical ingredients worm their way into your mind. There is a clear technical skill on display here that’s apparent, but that’s deployed in the service of emotion and atmosphere, rather than technicality for the sake of it. The end result is something extremely enjoyable to listen to.

Well, the wait has been more than worth it. Innern is a top tier album that awaits your exploration. Let its ample dark charms work their blackened magicks over time, and it will reward you greatly.

Essential for fans of bands such as Deafheaven, Emperor, Harakiri for the Sky, Ultha, Wiegedood, Winterfylleth, Wolves in the Throne Room, etc.