Stylistically, the full-length is very atmospheric backed by the grim cold vocals of Nahdrut Herlarecks, and they are filled with all kinds of creepiness the music gives you a unique impression, and this is why the songs are really up to my alley. The highlight track “Dämoniakvs” swells to the melodic apex as the composition slowly unveils its medieval fantasy soundscapes, simultaneously bombastic and menacing. The key element is how Nahdrut Herlarecks gradually use eerie synth elements with frosty guitar riffs, each of the five tracks including the acoustic intro “Anrvffvng des Tevffels Oberion” creates a malicious mood.

The music centers on a spooky atmosphere with grim and cold-sounding synths and to be honest, this is one of the best German black metal bands I have discovered in the last few years. The album contains an adequate amount of melody and atmosphere to keep you absolutely hooked throughout the songs. This is a kind of music that summons the ancient demon out of hell with the ominousness and the mystical synth bringing enough suspense Erzfeynd‘s full-length album is spectacularly crafted, synth variation is another element that adds great quality to the songs as you can almost sense the horror and the unease of the tempo and the powerful drum dynamics.

Despite the short duration of 31 minutes, Erzfeynd keeps the medieval atmospheric vibe intact. “Terricvlamenti Noctvrni” draws similarities to Norwegian aesthetics, it is flawlessly crafted. “Behaft Bekert” takes a semi-raw, atmospheric direction. The most gripping aspect of the composition is the cold raspy vocals that echo from distant paranormal realms, Nahdrut Herlarecks managed to bring something unique and fresh to the menu. Despite the polished sound recording everything sounds compelling from the guitars, the synth, and the drums, Nahdrut Herlarecks knows exactly when to unleash the fantastical synth arrangements “Locvs Infestvs” then takes an enthralling journey through fairy tale realms, the track combines bombastic synth parts that are propelled with frosty tremolos.

Though the majority of the songs fall under the mid-tempo style of black metal, the almost symphonic display of the synth brings much diversity to the composition, sharp guitars and blazing tremolos cleave through the hammering drums and the foggy production sustains its dark aura. The full-length album is characteristic of the 90s European black metal like Abigor and Summoning, but there are some hints of Norwegian bands like Troll. The thing that really stands out is the prominent keyboards that are utilized in passages to create a malicious atmosphere and the guitars blends well with the evil vocals which captures a great pitch to classic black metal.

There are many inspirations taken from different bands, but Erzfeynd delivers unique aesthetics of German black metal at its best. The closing track “Firnoman” is another highlight of the album and has some eerie melodic riff but once the drums kicks in, the music perfectly blend with the raspy vocals and the tremolos. Mastermind Nahdrut Herlarecks has successfully conjured up something that is more haunting and dark, this is something one would not find more often these days. In conclusion, there are not really any flaws with this album, “Behaft Bekert” was released via Ván Records in September 20th, 2022, and it is available on all formats including the CD format.

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