ALBUM REVIEW: Fegefeuer – Feuerschwanz

There’s a surprising amount of crossover between rock and metal music and fantasy material. Many musicians and music fans play Dungeons & Dragons, they often attend renaissance and mediaeval fairs as well as music festivals; even LED ZEPPELIN wrote many songs based on The Lord Of The Rings. The Venn diagram becomes more of a circle when bands like FEUERSCHWANZ perform mediaeval rock and folk metal, utilising both metal instrumentation and heavy sounds with fantastical themes in the lyrics and additional instruments like the hurdy-gurdy. For the band’s new album, Fegefeuer, they explore mythological themes and fiery instrumentation further to deliver a record full of epic fantasy tracks. Does the album succeed in delivering on that epic sound and style, or does it fall flat in the past?

From the moment the first track SGFRD Dragonslayer begins, Fegefeuer presents itself as a nonstop epic musical odyssey that takes the listener on an unforgettable adventure. Not only do the heavy rhythms create a strong foundation for the song to build upon, but other elements like the violin add an extra layer that both takes the listener back in time and is also innovative and unique in metal. For an opening track, with powerful vocals on top, it’s a fantastic way to get the ball rolling and begin the epic album. From then on, the songs only get better and better, with standouts like Berzerkermode and Uruk-Hai offering different sides to the band, from epic party tracks where instruments like the hurdy-gurdy shine with an epic riff, to songs that resonate with a Nordic vibe that’s strong but not overbearing. The music allows the beautiful riff to come forward and shine alongside the powerful vocals. 

As great as the majority of the album is, the downside is that by the time it reaches the ninth and tenth tracks, the power doesn’t hit in the same way as it did at the beginning of the record. Whilst both Morrigan and Eis & Feuer are good in their own way, with excellent riffs, rhythms, and fiery energy, after eight tracks full of jam-packed power metal, the two feel basic in comparison and a little fatigued from all of the album beforehand. Thankfully, the final track, Valkyren, shakes up the sound and shakes away the fatigue, delivering something different with a beautiful opening onto a heaving and chugging song that’s also sweet and ballady. It’s a fantastic pick-me-up after a small disappointing lull, but the final track stands on its own as a great song and a brilliant closer.

Overall, FEUERSCHWANZ have delivered a powerful and energetic album that combines modern metal styles with instrumentation that’s classic whilst also timeless. Fegefeuer is fun, exhilarating, and exactly what it says on the tin: powerful metal. Whilst there is a little lull near the end of the album, the rest delivers tremendously and whisks the listener away on an adventure that would put their Dungeons & Dragons campaigns to shame.

Rating: 8/10

Fegefeuer is out now via Napalm Records.

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