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Gràb - Kremess
Upon encountering Gràb's latest release, "Kremess," on Black Metal Promotion, I was immediately drawn in by the evocative album artwork, reminiscent of the cover art from Russia's "Path," a personal favorite. This visual allure made diving into the album an effortless decision. To my delight, the music surpassed expectations, aligning with sentiments echoed in the YouTube comments: "Seriously impressive material."
Gràb hails from Bavaria, Germany, and "Kremess" marks their second full-length album, following their 2021 debut, "Zeitlang." The band consists of vocalist Grànt and guitarist/bassist Gnást. The album comprises eight tracks:
1. Waidler
2. Kremess
3. Kerkermoasta
4. Im Hexnhoiz
5. Vom Gråb im Moos
6. Deifeszeig
7. Waldeinsamkeit
8. Dà letzte Winter
Check the video here
Track 1: Waidler
The album opens with "Waidler," an introductory track that sets the tone with resonant chords and a compelling tremolo-picked melody. The transition from dissonant beginnings to a heavier riff showcases the band's dynamic range. This central riff evolves, adding layers that enhance engagement. The song culminates in a chaotic blend of blast beats and rapid power chord progressions. Grànt's vocals seamlessly meld with the instrumentation, oscillating between yearning howls and deep growls, embodying a harmonious fusion of melody and chaos.
Track 2: Kremess
"Kremess" stands out as a personal highlight. It begins with the haunting voice of a young girl, segueing into an eerie guitar tone that immediately caught my attention. The subsequent punchy, raw guitars are executed with precision. The tempo allows Gnást to explore intricate chord progressions that are both catchy and complex. Grànt's sustained raspy growls, delivered in the Bavarian dialect, add authenticity and depth I really like how in some parts he drags out his howls. The chord progression near the song's end is particularly noteworthy, I couldn’t help but bang my head to this one and i think it turned out amazinly. This one will for sure be leaving a lasting impression.
Track 3: Kerkermoasta
"Kerkermoasta" commences with ambient sounds—horse and cart noises accompanied by dragging sounds—before launching into a ferocious assault of punctual drums and blistering guitars. The build-up is arresting, compelling attentive listening. A headbang-inducing riff is complemented by ride cymbal accents, adding texture. An uplifting interlude features instruments such as pianos and a hammered dulcimer ( I’m pretty sure I got this one right.. But i could be wrong), paired with bittersweet guitar melodies. The track concludes with a tremolo-picked section and a nice hard hitting 4/4 drum beat, one to really bang your head to, epitomizing classic black metal. The straightforward yet effective 4/4 drum beat underscores the "less is more" philosophy.
Track 5: Vom Gråb im Moos
Track 5 stands out as my personal favorite on the album. Anything that starts with some kind of ambient noise or synth immediately hooks me, and this track does just that. The eerie introduction sets a haunting atmosphere before seamlessly transitioning into a beautifully layered composition. The incorporation of traditional instruments, such as the hammered dulcimer, adds a distinctive folk element that blends effortlessly with the raw black metal foundation.
Each member’s prowess shines here—Gnást’s guitar work is both intricate and emotive, with clean, expressive solos that cut through the dense atmosphere. The track carries a unique energy, balancing moments of melancholy with bursts of uplifting, almost triumphant melodies. It moves through a dynamic spectrum, from sorrow to euphoria, before plunging back into sheer intensity.
The outro, featuring a nylon-string guitar accompanied by a flute, is nothing short of breathtaking. It transports the listener into another realm, offering a moment of reflection before the chaos resumes. This track truly embodies the spirit of Gràb—blending aggression, beauty, and atmosphere in a way that feels both timeless and refreshing. If they continue to explore this sound in the future, I’ll be eagerly listening.
Overall, "Kremess" is a remarkable album that exceeded expectations. From start to finish, it incorporates a variety of instruments, masterful guitar riffs that linger in memory, versatile drums with intricate cymbal and double bass patterns, and superb vocals that adapt to each track's vibe. The production is crisp, allowing each instrument's nuances to shine. Kudos to the production team for delivering such clarity. I rate this album 9/10 and will keenly follow Gràb's future endeavours, offering full support
Thanks for reading my review. In the meantime, I’ll patiently wait for my physical copy to arrive.
Bran - Blackened Soundscape
Grading system.
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar
Click for Bandcamp