ALBUM REVIEW: Kollaps – The Hirsch Effekt

Since the release of 2017’s Eskapist album THE HIRSCH EFFEKT have been on a significant upward trajectory, charting at #21 in Germany and headlining Euroblast Festival being just some of their achievements. It is now time for the progressive metal marvels from Hanover to grace us with the hotly anticipated follow up entitled Kollaps which is due for release on May 8th via Long Branch Records. How will this album help build on their already impressive catalogue?

Kris commences with snappy drum beats, a chipper tempo and a swelling soundscape that transitions into harmonious vocals and melodic guitar work. The pacing ebbs and flows to keep you guessing what is lurking around the corner. THE HIRSCH EFFEKT leave no stone unturned as they bombard you with commanding bass lines interwoven with subtle piano notes to kick start this release in majestic fashion. Noja starts to kick the intensity up a notch with slick riffing and sharp screams. Instrumentation hits you from all angles making you wish you had an extra set of ears to interpret the full extent of the frenzy. A rapped segment in English throws an unexpected curve ball into the mix. Deklaration continues the chaotic nature, introducing some addictive guitar work before descending into lunacy with eccentric vocal bursts and frantic mathcore drenched madness. Soothing soaring vocals cut through the carnage to bring some sense of sanity to proceedings.

Allmende batters you with flourishes of rapid fire drum/riff combinations. The track very seldom lets up from it’s aural assault as it continues to pummel you into the ground like a jackhammer with seismic bass segments. Domstol provides a respite from the rampage with minimalist echoing guitar pieces before settling into a theatrical stride, providing plentiful melodies. As the track gathers momentum the mayhem begins to seap through the cracks. Moment welcomes you with a captivating orchestral interlude luring you perfectly into the clutches of the industrial vibe of Torka. The track gently glides along whilst maintaining brief nuances that leave you on edge, wondering whether something more sinister is at hand and is going to catch you unawares.

Bilen absorbs a similar mentality from its predecessor, hitting you with jaw shattering RAMMSTEIN-esque hooks before delving back into a more devilish domain. The intensity boils over like a tsunami and engulfs you in its unforgiving wake. Title track Kollaps harbours an unsettling atmosphere that eerily drifts around you. The vocal lines supplement this with a melancholic, sombre demeanour. Just as you become comfortably accustomed to the path this track is treading the rug is abruptly yanked from underneath you and a further volley of brutality springs forth. This journey approaches its final chapter and Agera witnesses a culmination of the varying styles which have stitched this release together throughout. From the buoyant riffing to the orchestral swathes and inviting vocal transitions this instalment ensures your gaze is fixed right through to the closing moments.

THE HIRSCH EFFEKT have the enviable talent of being able to be incredibly daring, fearless and innovative whilst not pushing the envelope too far that they become a victim of their own proficiency. Kollaps displays a band at their imperious prime and whatever they touch seemingly turns to gold. If you are an existing fan of their material then you’re going to adore this and if you are a newcomer you’re in for a treat! Progressive metal doesn’t get much more exhilarating than this.

Rating: 9/10

Kollaps is due for release on May 8th via Long Branch Records.

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