In the winter
of the year of 2000, northern Germany produced a pagan black metal
band by the name of KERBENOK. Consisting of Stefan Drechsler
on vocals, guitars, and bass and Christopher Duis holding down
the drums and vocals. The band has put out 3 releases in its time.
With a demo in 2003, a double CD in 2005, only to split up in
2006 and re-form in 2007. They now present to us the 3 track epic
called Der Erde entwachsen.
No intros,
no bullshit. KERBENOK cuts right to the heart of the music.
Intending for their music to represent the nature spirit, I think
it does just that. Just listening to this album makes me want
to take a walk threw the woods. This is Black Metal with a bit
of a Pagan twist. It fits quite well. This album is heavy, make
no mistake about it, you have your fast drum beats, and your fast
guitars with the familiar black metal strumming and melodic elements.
You have your tortured scream growled vocals. But then you also
have a flute thrown into the mix in some areas of the songs. Somehow
it fits. The first song Das Kalte Feuer starts out slow,
but soon the music cracks open into a black metal frenzy. They
make it worthwhile as the songs average 8 minutes each and send
your mind into a realm of mystic forests. The album ends as it
begins, slowing down and bowing out gracefully with a bit of a
wood spirit touch. Again, I can not complain about the production
of Der Erde entwachsen. It seems to be quite clear
as I can hear every instrument in the mix. KERBENOK seems
to have their own unique style about them and it’s hard
to set yourself apart in today’s black metal world. I look
forward to hearing more from them in the future.