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Band: Grauzeit
Album title: Tyrannei der Tristesse
Release date: 21 May 2013
Label: Self-Released
Tracklisting:
01. Tyrannei der Tristesse I
02. Tyrannei der Tristesse II
03. Tyrannei der Tristesse III
04. Tyrannei der Tristesse IV
05. Tyrannei der Tristesse V
The recent trend is to combine black metal with all possible genres and it seems that it's very popular to bind post-rock and shoegaze with it. Add also some avantgarde metal and here you have music of German band Grauzeit. Grauzeit are present on the scene since 2010 and have released one single, demo-EP, remix-EP and this new EP that already with its title indicates that we will be imersed into melancholic moods.
Tyrannei der Tristesse is divided into five parts, three are shorter, atmospheric instrumentals and two are real tracks with vocals and all the rest. At the very beginning I've noticed that this EP is a step forward for Grauzeit if we compare it with their demo-EP Dieses Gefuhl Jeden Tag, released last year. The band is not experimenting that much like before and the sound has become more compact. The sole music and the production are miles away from what was heard on that release, but unfortunately it still could be better. The band also moved away from that typical depressive moods that were heard before in some songs and changed their style a lot, especially vocals. To tell you the truth I don't remember when I was so divided between the idea if I like the music or not.
On this EP are parts that work out very well and those where the band loses the pace. Instrumental, semi acoustic sections are very atmospheric and you can get easily imersed into the special, somehow melancholic mood. Musical talent is not the question here, guitar for example is played amazingly well, also drumming is good. The problem is when the band tries to combine melow, yet very melodic post-rock with harsh black metal kind of vocals and the whole picture remains somehow bland, and this is somehow the main representative sound of Grauzeit. Maybe the problem is in too much fronted guitar and some synths could save the thing. Otherwise I was very impressed when the band kicks off with its full power and everything regains the sense and the sound becomes fulfilled. There are even some avantgarde sounding elements that reminded me of Agrypnie or Todtgelichter. More deep production could also help a lot here.
So, Tyrannei der Tristesse is not a bad record, it just doesn't reach the right momentum and as an entirety leaves the listener empty, it could be said that it lacks the soul. On the other hand there are many parts where the band shows huge potential and I believe that step by step Grauzeit will reach the sound that will astonish the listener, not only with musical talent, but also with sonical depth. Fans of melancholic music and new explorations on post-black metal fields should give this release a try.
Review written by: T.V.
Rating: 7/10
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