Ellende – Ellenbogengesellschaft
Release Date: 30th September 2021
Label: AOP Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal.
FFO: Alcest, Saor, Harakiri for the Sky, Sojourner.
Review By: Hillary Wisniewski
Ellende came into being in 2011 when L.G. set out to utilize his immense musical talent to create a project in which to explore themes of human existence, existentialism, love and loss, and the intricacies of nature. In 2014 P.F. joined up to round things out on drums. Ellenbogengesellschaft is the seventh release to date; the title roughly translates to mean a society in which everyone is out for themselves. Of this work L.G. states “I am very excited and proud that a new full-length album will be released after many years of work. Together with Markus Stock and Klangschmiede Studio E we were able to create one of our most sophisticated records until now, incorporating some fresh elements as well as staying true to what Ellende is and was always striving for. Thanks to all involved and supporting, and of course, enjoy the ride.”
Ellenbogengesellschaft begins with a soft and sombre introduction that boasts piano and melodic and meandering guitar, followed by a chorus of mesmerizing vocals. L.G. works quickly to create a certain ambiance in which one feels calm and at ease, and then BAM! We are pummelled by the elements that should be expected from a black metal act: tremolo picking, heavy and distorted riffs with epic solos interspersed throughout, blast beats, and vocals that originate from the bowels of hell. L.G. has an uncanny ability to create an atmosphere that is brooding and complex; this is not your average black metal album. Generally speaking, there has been a movement within black metal to expand horizons beyond the old traditions and sounds. When the winds of change blow, some people are like the tree that bends and goes with it, and others are like the tree that doesn’t bend and ends up breaking. Now, I love old school black metal, but I am also one who routinely reminds myself to “adapt or die.” For some people, the thought of constantly churning out albums that are indistinguishable from others acts (or even their previous works) would not be satisfying from a creative point of view. When listening to this album, it is evident there was a drive to make something that can preserve the best aspects of black metal while delving into other sounds. If you are inclined to stick with the ‘trve kvlt’ end of things then this may seem a bit off-putting to you, but I encourage you to be like that tree that is willing to bend a bit so that you don’t miss out on such a wonderful record.
Some albums fit certain seasons, both in terms of the natural world and our lives. Autumn is beginning to show itself around me; the days are shortening and the trees will soon look aflame. Life will slumber or come to an end. This coincides with ongoing grieving in my family due to a recent death. In the midst of these happenings, I turn to music for comfort and solace. Ellende created an album that resonates with me due to these dynamics. Lyrically speaking, there are many themes of feeling lost, exhausted, despondent, full of ire, and yet somehow continuing to push on. L.G. may thematically approach death and wanting to be released from the pain of this life, but I didn’t get the impression that he does not value life. Ultimately, we cannot escape the pain and suffering that is part of our existence; it is inevitable. Art helps to reflect our human experience, so it cannot always be roses. There are ways in which the more trying aspects of life can be portrayed in a beautiful manner, and Ellende has crafted a work that does just that.
(5 / 5)
