Ellende - Rückzug in die Innerlichkeit (2018)

We usually don’t review re-releases but Ellende’s debut EP “Rückzug in die Innerlichkeit” is one of our favorite releases and we are psyched that Art of Propaganda is making it available to a wider audience. One-man Ellende is one of the top Atmospheric Black Metal/Post-Black Metal outfits to come out in the last few years and this album is a landmark release that deserves more attention.

The EP starts with a dreamy introduction that reminds us of the middle releases of Alcest, with moody tempo changes into very aggressive and demoralizing passages filled with harrowing vocals and punishing drumming. The atmosphere is quite oppressive and masterfully contrasted with acoustic elements. The dramatic string instruments of “Pfad der Endlichkeit” create a very solemn mood that slowly descends into some of the bleakest aural passages ever crafted. This is one of our all time favorite songs due to its dramatic atmosphere and the very raw and primitive emotions transferred by the music.

Captivating the listener’s attention with the bleak piano lines of “Der letzte Marsch”, this track perfectly evolves into a highly atmospheric piece that beautifully contrasts desolation with desperation. Signing off with the incisive riffing of “Von Vergänglichkeit und Trost”, the album closes its path of bleakness and despondency. As a first release, “Rückzug in die Innerlichkeit” instantly propelled Ellende to notoriety thanks to its raw and desolate atmosphere.

If you are looking to get into Atmospheric Black Metal / Post-Black Metal, or are just looking for bleaker and darker atmospheric music, Ellende is a band to watch out for. All of the band’s releases are excellent, and with an upcoming release in 2019, this will get you started properly.

Label: Art of Propaganda

Release: November 30th, 2018

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal / Post-Black Metal

Country: Austria