“As with its predecessor, KANONENFIEBER’s second album “Die Urkatastrophe” is based on factual reports, letters and original documents from the surviving and deceased soldiers from the First World War. Its intent is not to glorify, because there is no glory in war. Everyone loses – their lives, their souls, their humanity. This album is intended to commemorate the countless victims of WWI. War is often depicted in an abstract way, through numbers and statistics. KANONENFIEBER aim to tell the stories of the nameless and the faceless in order to allow for a small glimpse of their personal horrors, and thereby the larger scale horror for mankind as a whole. KANONENFIEBER’s black and death metal isn’t meant to solely entertain, but also educate and raise awareness against the glorification of war.” – Kanonenfieber
History Lessons
History LessonsWhile some bands use war as an excuse to flex their muscles, Kanonenfieber treats the subject with all the gravity of a field marshal’s mustache. Drawing inspiration from actual WWI documents and reports, Noise (the mind behind the band) craft a sonic landscape that’s as educational as it is neck-breaking. It’s the musical equivalent of finding your great-grandfather’s war diary and realizing it’s written in blast beats and tremolo picks.
To The Trenches
From the haunting intro of “Grossmachtfantasie” to the final notes of “Als die Waffen kamen“, this album is a relentless assault on the senses. Tracks like “Menschenmühle” and “Waffenbrüder” showcase Kanonenfieber‘s ability to blend black and death metal elements into a cohesive, punishing whole. While the album’s theme is firmly rooted in historical events, its emotional impact resonates well beyond any specific time period. Tracks like “Der Maulwurf” and “Panzerhenker” explore the psychological toll of conflict in ways that feel unnervingly relevant to modern times.
Noise‘s guitar work deserves special mention, alternating between frenzied tremolo picking and surprisingly melodic passages that add depth to the overall soundscape. The drumming is a tour de force of blast beats and dynamic rhythms that propel each track forward with unstoppable momentum.
The production, courtesy of Kristin Kohle at Kohlekeller Studio, is phenomenal! It gives each instrument room to breathe while maintaining an appropriately oppressive atmosphere.
Like Reading A Diary
What sets “Die Urkatastrophe” apart is its use of historical documents as inspiration for its lyrics. Noise doesn’t glorify conflict but instead offers a sobering look at the human cost of war. His vocal performance is nothing short of impressive, ranging from guttural growls to anguished screams, often layered to create the illusion of multiple voices crying out in unison.
The incorporation of samples and spoken word pieces adds an extra layer of authenticity to the proceedings. These aren’t mere gimmicks but integral parts of the storytelling process, seamlessly woven into the fabric of each song.
The Verdict
Kanonenfieber has managed to create something that’s simultaneously a heartfelt tribute to the fallen and a kick in the teeth to those who romanticize war. “Die Urkatastrophe” hits like a barrage of artillery fire, leaving listeners shell-shocked deep into the mud and blood of WWI, unearthing a sonic hellscape that’s as thought-provoking as it is brutal.
It’s an album that demands and rewards repeated listens!
Whether you’re drawn to the crushing riffs, the intricate storytelling, or the sheer emotional weight of it all, “Die Urkatastrophe” offers something for every discerning metal fan. Just don’t expect to walk away unscathed.
Tracklist
- Grossmachtfantasie
- Menschenmühle
- Sturmtrupp
- Der Maulwurf
- Lviv zu Lemberg
- Waffenbrüder (feat. Maik Weichert of Heaven Shall Burn)
- Gott mit der Kavallerie
- Panzerhenker
- Gott mit der Kavallerie
- Panzerhenker
- Ritter der Lüfte
- Verdun
- Ausblutungsschlacht
- Als die Waffen kamen
Great Album \m/
Agree!
10/10
9.7/10