By Phil Cooper
The eighth album from German black metal outfit Horn, ‘Mohngang’ represents a development of the more sinister side of the band. Since their inception in 2002, they’ve created a nature-centric form of BM that incorporates heavy folk and classical like elements that produced an at times upbeat result. Latterly, and since teaming up with Iron Bonehead, they’ve stuck with the nature-like themes but also moved to cover other elements such as warfare and the human condition which has morphed a darker edge.
Sonically, the band present a sound that their established fans will be well accustomed to with the heavier, darker twists as mentioned above. For those new to Horn, you can expect to here a rich, full textured metal sound. The rhythm section is tight throughout delivering a heavyweight drive. The guitar work provides a balanced mix of catchy riffs and engaging melody. The lead parts cut through with a timbre that make the listener really take notice. The production of the music delivers a crisp and clear attack which allows for the guttural vocals to punch through.
Horn are not afraid to mix things up with this record. Having now reached album number eight, they could be forgiven if they were to play it safe and re-energise their pre-existing style. However, they’ve taken the route of throwing in some surprises here. The opening track delivers a rich, layered soundscape that sets the backdrop. A fairly typical approach for the BM genre. However, when track two builds upon this, the techniques employed include a choral layering of the vocals which when supported by the heavy instrumentation creates an elevated sense of space. They’ve expanded from a straightforward intensity to give the music room to engross the listener on different levels.
The choice of instrumentation is also something different to the BM norm. the inclusion of strings and piano, most notably the stripped-down closing track consisting of only cellos and piano giving a classical feel to the closing statement of the album. They’ve also incorporated the cow bell to great effect and even the trumpet too. All of this mixed with the vocal techniques of both raw gutturals and rich choral cleans gives a grand feel to the darker undercurrent of heavy sound created by the standard instrumentation.
‘Mohngang’ is an album of twisting pathways that follows more than one set theme. Yet through variations in song structure, instrumentation and delivery, Horn have delivered a unified epic sound that holds the listener from start to finish. With each run through there is a different element uncovered that adds to growth of the album. For pre-existing fans there’s a lot on offer as Horn have certainly not rested on what they’ve created before. For new fans, there’s something excellent awaiting you here.
- ‘Mohngang’ is released on 15 May. You can get your copy, and loads of other goodies, HERE.
- All content © Über Rock. Not to be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission of Über Rock.