Endstille – DetoNation

German black metallers Endstille return to the fray after a ten-year hiatus with “DetoNation,” an album that wastes no time reminding fans why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the genre. This offering finds the band revisiting their signature sound – a potent blend of raw aggression and surprisingly catchy melodies – while showcasing a renewed sense of purpose.

Track-by-Track:

• New World Lethargy: The album explodes from the gates with “New World Lethargy.” A blistering display of blast beats and tremolo-picked riffs sets the stage for Endstille’s signature assault. However, amidst the chaos, a surprisingly catchy melody emerges, showcasing the band’s ability to balance aggression with memorability.
• Jericho Howls: A change of pace arrives with “Jericho Howls.” The tempo slows down slightly, allowing the song’s ominous atmosphere to take center stage. Haunting melodies intertwine with distorted guitars, creating a sense of impending dread. The track builds to a ferocious climax, proving Endstille hasn’t lost their touch for crafting dynamic compositions.
• Tochnit Aleph: This track throws the listener back into the abyss with its relentless aggression. Vocals delivered in a tortured shriek weave tales of apocalyptic devastation, perfectly complementing the music’s intensity. A mid-section breakdown offers a brief moment of respite before the song explodes back into a fury.
• Gates of Extermination: Endstille injects a dose of thrash metal influence into “Gates of Extermination.” Fast-paced drumming and a galloping riff propel the song forward, making it a headbanging highlight of the album. The track’s lyrics, delivered in both German and English, explore themes of societal collapse and the rise of totalitarian regimes.
• Cold emptiness: The album reaches its emotional midpoint with “Cold emptiness.” The tempo slows down considerably, and a melancholic atmosphere takes hold. Clean vocals make a surprise appearance, adding a layer of vulnerability amidst the sonic onslaught. The track serves as a welcome change of pace, showcasing Endstille’s ability to explore different emotional territories.
• Der Feuerstuhl (The Burning Throne): This track injects a dose of epic grandeur into the mix. Soaring guitar leads and a powerful drum performance create a sense of impending battle. The song’s lyrics, entirely in German, explore historical conflicts and the horrors of war.
• Apokalyptisches Licht (Apocalyptic Light): The penultimate track offers a moment of melancholic reflection. Acoustic guitars and whispered vocals create a haunting atmosphere, leaving the listener with a sense of despair amidst the album’s overall message of destruction.
• Weltasche (World Ash): The album concludes with a fittingly ferocious display of black metal fury. “Weltasche” is a relentless barrage of blast beats and tremolo-picked riffs, leaving a sense of utter devastation in its wake. The final scream serves as a potent closing statement, solidifying Endstille’s return to form.

Verdict:

“DetoNation” is a triumphant return for Endstille. While the album doesn’t stray far from the band’s established formula, it delivers a potent dose of black metal fury with impressive songwriting and renewed energy. The production, while raw, allows the music’s intensity to shine through. Fans of Endstille’s earlier works and those seeking a fresh injection of black metal aggression will find much to celebrate here.

Score: 4.5 out of 5