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Hallstatt is one of those minimalistic, raw black metal bands (a one-man band, actually.) This reminds me a bit of later-day Mütiilation among others, but with a slightly better production (i.e. it doesn't sound like it was recorded in a bathroom.) There isn't much to say here that hasn't been said about other releases in the genre, which is both a good and a bad thing. Good in the sense that there's no experimental non-metal bullshit thrown in here just to sound original and/or "open-minded" (...), but also bad in the sense that someone looking for something that hasn't been done before won't find much here either. It's the proven recipe: Harsh, desperate and angry vocals, simple and raw, very sharp-sounding guitar playing, and violent, chaotic loud drumming. Add to that a couple of short acoustic interludes to give some breathing room. Atmosphere always plays an important role in this genre (it sure isn't about musicianship), and Hallstatt delivers the goods here, succesfully mixing hate, despair and melancholy and conveying it well to the listener.

In short, not original but very well done in the genre. Those who can't get tired of this raw and minimalistic sound should get a kick out of this. But stay away if you are of the "symphonic black metal" type, as this is anything but.