• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

I wasn't expecting too much from Von Leere und Tod. I love AFM as a record label, but I've become dubious of their decisions when picking out extreme metal acts. Most of the black/pagan metal they've put out recently hasn't instilled too much delight for me, which is a shame. Fortunately this seems set to change with the latest Thormesis release, which has certainly surprised me.

This is the band's third full-length now, and it's clear that Thormesis are confident in their style. The sound on Von Leere und Tod is a quality mix of typical black metal conventions, some almost-Quorthon style riffs and a few heavy/power metal moments. The riffs are really quite strong across the album, and it didn't take too long for the head to start banging. There are varying vocal approaches from agonizing shrieks/rasps to clean folk style chants and choirs which are quite good albeit slightly corny.

The production is clean and precise, but it serves more as a benefit to the release as the band's sound doesn't need too much in the way of rawness. The guitar tone is massive and has an Immortal/Demonaz vibe to it which is just great. There are loads of cool and catchy melodies across the album too, and as I said earlier the riffs are strong and convey these melodies well. If there is anywhere in which I feel the band go wrong it is probably in the length of their songs which are quite long, although they do strive to keep a varied enough approach.

Overall I've found myself to quite enjoy this release, and would definitely recommend it to fans of the cleaner cut style of black/pagan metal. Fans of the latest Demonaz and Immortal albums should also find a good deal of enjoyment in the riffs which really are worth the price of admission alone. Recommended!