Metalcatto
I’m late to this party again, but here we are: a new Ellende album exists, and that alone means we can’t just let it pass unnoticed. The band has been delivering stunning Post/Black Metal for years now, to the point where having an opinion on a new release isn’t just advisable, it feels almost mandatory. I also happened to see that one of the band members (L.G.) defended his PhD not long ago, which honestly explains a lot. Suddenly, the sheer emotional devastation of this record makes complete sense. Ellende, if you’re reading this, I’d love to say the academic pain is over, but judging by Zerfall, it has merely transformed into sound.
If you’re wondering whether Zerfall can still make you feel “the Ellende way,” as in your entire emotional support system just froze to death overnight, the answer is a very firm yes. The band hasn’t lost its touch when it comes to delivering deeply melancholic, crushing reminders of how indifferent and cruel the world can be. That core identity is completely intact. Everything longtime fans love is here, reinforcing why, in a sea of generic Post/Black releases, Ellende stands out as one of the defining acts of the past decade. There’s a sincerity here that many bands aim for but rarely achieve.
Despite how dark and murky the mix makes everything feel—Zerfall is somber in the same way an East German winter feels endless—the album manages to be strangely comforting. The visceral growls and smooth, flowing guitar work create a sense of emotional immersion that pulls you in rather than pushes you away. This is especially impressive given the length of the tracks. They’re not short, but they never feel bloated or meandering, which is a rare virtue in a subgenre where excess often goes unchecked.
Honestly, if you’re already a fan of Ellende, there’s nothing to be upset about here. The band delivers exactly what it’s supposed to deliver, with care and conviction. If you’re a snob like me and secretly wish Ellende would suddenly take a wild left turn just to keep things uncomfortable, then you may need to adjust your expectations. Zerfall is more about refinement and consistency than reinvention. On a minor, nitpicky note, there’s some spoken-word material toward the end that made me slightly uncomfortable, but that’s very much a personal issue.
All things considered, I’m happy to report that Ellende is still providing the precise dosage of existential pain I came for. Zerfall confirms the band as one of the most consistent forces in modern post/black metal. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to put this album on again and wallow in misery a little longer. The weather demands it, after all.
Label: AOP Records
Release date: January 2, 2025
Website: https://ellende.bandcamp.com/album/zerfall
Country: Austria
Score: 3.7/5.0 (give me more time and I might give it a higher score)
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