This is the second album from German black metal band Antrisch.
Expedition III: Renitenzpfad is a 48-minute black metal album that’s spliced with a few different influences. Across these seven tracks Antrisch take the listener on a journey into history, and as they do so they showcase their skills in no uncertain terms.
Amidst the contemporary black metal worldbuilding that Antrisch engage in you’ll find a range of elements to enjoy. The core of the music mixes together the atmospheric and melodic black metal styles, and it does this extremely well. Around this there are ambient and folk enrichments that add texture, as well as touches of post-rock resplendence and groove/thrash in some of the riffs.
Antrisch really go on the attack on this record, yet also temper this with their melodic nature. There’s a savagery to the more aggressive aspects of Expedition III: Renitenzpfad that’s very satisfying. When the music hacks at you like a sharpened machete and the high pitched screams lacerate you with the teeth of feral beasts, it gets the pulse raised. This is counterbalanced though by thoughtful use of melody and mood-building, allowing Antrisch to simultaneously scar and uplift. The end result is an album that’s well-written and knows how to use different tools for different jobs.
Expedition III: Renitenzpfad offers up a well-rounded and rewarding listening experience. Antrisch have produced an album that feels very well-rendered and executed. It’s detailed and well-drawn, with nuanced depth and emotive character, yet also absolutely rages with fiery hostility and furious aggression. Put simply, this is a great album. If you’re a fan of high quality modern black metal then look no further than Expedition III: Renitenzpfad.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 