#21 - Top of 2019

Finsterforst - Zerfall (Napalm Records)

The German folkers are back with their fifth album, Zerfall, and it sounds like they have refined their epic folk sound even further in this new endeavour. The record blasts its way with "Wut" which is an amazing example of how the mix of folk and black elements should sound like an epic German warrior song. All tracks overflow with melodic guitar riffs and orchestral elements that add to the the grandiose feeling while balancing the blackened rough vocals with imposing male choirs. Finsterforst have evolved their sound since their first albums making it sound bigger and more distinct. Even if the language might put some people off, the song-writing is so good that the listener might forget that the songs are not in English. The title song "Zerfall" which is the album's shortest track at 8 minutes (!!!) perfectly summarises the band's epic sound being heavily based on the awesome guitar riffs (mainly heavy electric but with a touch of acoustic) and a memorable chorus which makes it by far the most radio friendly track. But do not be tricked! The band also gives us the unique "Ecce Homo" which is a 36 minute theme that has everything Finsterforst are good at while succeeding in making it even better by making it flow like one track and not a pastiche of different melodic pieces pasted together. A fitting EPIC way to close this EPIC entry in the 2019 top!


94.25/100

Below is the music video for the song "Zerfall".