SCALPTURE was founded back in 2009 and has released three full-lengths so far. With “Landkrieg” this Death Metal squad from Bielefeld, Germany continues with their focus on deep, historical themes without glorifying and pick up where they left off in 2022 with “Feldwärts”. As mentioned, this record is a powerful exploration of war, specifically focusing on the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648), which began as a religious struggle between Catholics and Protestants in what is now Germany. The album highlights key events, such as the Bohemian-Palatine period and the Swedish-German phase, where figures like Gustav II Adolf, known as the ‘Lion from the North’ played pivotal roles. Musically, they draw inspiration from classic Death Metal bands like BOLT THROWER, yet they have carved out a distinctive sound of their own. The album opens with ‘The Fall’, an instrumental track that sets the stage for the intense journey ahead. The later one, ‘Into Catastrophe’ references the infamous defenestration of Prague, where Protestant nobles threw royal governors out of a window, showcasing the album’s historical depth. Thorsten’s distinct commanding vocal style gives the record an edge, reminiscent of bands like UNLEASHED, which adds to their creativity. The instrumentation is equally impressive, featuring clear guitar solos, a prominent bass and tight drumming that keeps the energy high. Other tracks like ‘Landsknecht’ show hints of Thrash Metal influences, proving their versatility and ‘Den Mörka Nattens Lejon’ delves into Gustav’s impact, capturing the essence of this era and its significance in European history. ‘Of Siege And Besieged’ and ‘Schwedentrunk’ offer a chilling glimpse into the brutal tactics used during the war, while ‘Bellum Se Ipsum Alet’ leans heavily into Thrash territory and finishes the record with lingering thoughts on the brutality and bearing of war. Unlike many bands that write about war, SCALPTURE approaches the topic with a thoughtful perspective. Their lyrics are crafted with care, offering a narrative that reflects the harsh realities of conflict rather than romanticizing it. Altogether, “Landkrieg” is a compelling listen from start to finish, with the SCALPTURE style blend of history creates a powerful experience that should resonate with fans of Death Metal. To find out more about the band and label, please visit www.facebook.com/scalpture or www.facebook.com/testimonyrecords.