Erg
(AOP Records)
53:38min
AGRYPNIE, from Germany, has once again pushed the boundaries of Progressive / Post-Black Metal with their 2024 release “Erg”. This eight-track journey is an exploration of atmospheric depth, crushing heaviness and melodic intricacy that defines the band’s characteristic sound. Right from the first track ‘Aus Rauchlosem Feuer’, AGRYPNIE draws us into a world where darkness and light are constantly battling for dominance, taking us to a meditative passage and quickly evolve into a layered cascade of fierce riffs, thunderous drums and melancholic melodies that showcase the band’s ability to seamlessly shift between aggression and beauty. One of the standout tracks, ‘Sturm’, combines eerie clean guitar lines with raw, guttural vocals, creating a sense of longing and despair that lingers long after the song ends. AGRYPNIE’s talent for creating rich sonic landscapes is especially apparent in ‘Entität’, a song that balances relentless blast beats with ethereal moments, making it one of the most dynamic pieces on the album. “Erg” is an emotional journey that flows with an almost narrative-like precision. Tracks like ‘Stunde Des Wolfes’ or ‘Geister’ transit through very nostalgic passages, but still with the traditional Black Metal vibe around. The album’s production is pristine, allowing every instrument to breathe, while still maintaining a dense and layered sound. The album was put out by AOP Records, who understand how to capture the band’s vision. What truly sets “Erg” apart is AGRYPNIE’s ability to experiment without losing their identity. Moments of atmospheric calm are often shattered by bursts of frenetic energy, blending influences from Post-Metal and progressive genres with (again) traditional Black Metal in a way that feels fresh and innovative.The artwork accompanying “Erg” is captivating, a dark, abstract design that captures the essence of the music’s bleak, yet beautiful nature. It’s a perfect visual representation of the sonic landscape AGRYPNIE has created, blending contrasts of light and shadow just as the music does. If you are into Progressive / Atmospheric Metal, “Erg” is a must-listen. AGRYPNIE continues to defy genre expectations, creating a sound that is both emotionally resonant and technically impressive. Dive into “Erg” and let AGRYPNIE take you on a captivating journey through the depths of human emotion and beyond. Don’t miss it! More info at: www.facebook.com/agrypnie.official, www.facebook.com/aoprecs
Oswaldo Gonzalez
• AGRYPNIE - F51.4 (Christoph Göbel)