Ellende – Todbringerin
Release Date: 30th August 2024
Label: AOP Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal.
FFO: Alcest, Saor, Grima.
Review By: Hillary Wisniewski
As someone who tends to be late to most things in life, it is no surprise that it wasn’t until 2022 that I became aware of Ellende; this occurred when I reviewed the last full-length album, Ellenbogengesellschaft. Listening to that work came upon the heels of a significant death in my family and the beginning of autumn. During that time, it provided the perfect soundtrack to those changes and transitions. It was so appreciated and therapeutic. When I saw Ellende was releasing something new, I made sure to snag it up for review. What I did not realise at that moment, though, was that this is a re-recorded and re-arranged version of their 2016 release Todbringer (roughly translated to bringer of death). A new take deserves a new name, and Todbringerin (bringer of death, but in feminine form) is more than suitable for this purpose. Why the move to do this? According to Ellende “Because licence of the old record are not completely ours, and additionally, all recordings were deleted by the former recording studio, this is the only way that this album can be released again as a full re-recorded reinterpretation with the help of Klangschmiede Studio E in 2023-2024. In our opinion, this record hits the nail on the head. Packed with recent vitality and executed with refined abilities while also staying true to the atmosphere and devastation created in 2016. But decide for yourself then.”
Listeners begin this experience with a delicate piano piece, but don’t let this fool you in terms of what lies ahead. Not all black metal is built the same, and Ellende really hone in on all of the best qualities of a more atmospheric sound while keeping it heavy. But to me what stands out is the ability to convey emotion throughout this album; this is something that mastermind L.G. understands and carries out well in all of his work. Sometimes it is easy to forget about how emotion is a central piece to black metal when one is being doused with heavy and, at times, abrasive sounds. Everything about Todbringerin is well thought out and executed. A highlight for me is the melodic guitar parts; they really take it to another level. Often meandering, soothing, and weighless riffs transform into something that sounds like it originates from the bowels of the darkest places of existence. This is the case with vocals, too. Agonising shrieks and growls can shift into almost transcendent chanting and soft whispers. Because of these dynamics, the album is one that is multifaceted and does not fall flat at any point. As with previous works, there is a bit of a mournful nature to these songs, and this comes through in these melodies as well as lyrically. It’s not all doom and gloom though-hopeful, vibrant moments are sprinkled throughout. Truly this is balanced like a fine wine.
If you’ve listened to Ellende previously, then you know what to expect. Loyal fans won’t be disappointed, and surely revisiting this work should be of interest to them. If you are new to the party, find yourself a quiet, cosy corner away from the din and presence of others and be immersed in Todbringerin. You won’t regret it.
(4.5 / 5)
