Hyperborean - Völkermord

Review by Mohamed Abed

Völkermord, the fourth studio album by the German black metal band Hyperborean, is a powerful and intense musical journey that will leave listeners breathless. The album, released in 2015, is a concept album that explores the themes of genocide, war, and destruction.

The album opens with "Der Untergang," a haunting instrumental track that sets the mood for the rest of the album. From there, the listener is taken on a rollercoaster ride of blast beats, tremolo-picked riffs, and guttural vocals. Tracks like "Völkermord" and "Menschenhass" showcase the band's ability to create intricate, complex songs that never sacrifice their raw, primal energy.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Krieg und Frieden," a 10-minute epic that showcases the band's ability to shift seamlessly between blistering black metal and atmospheric, almost post-rock passages. The track builds to a powerful crescendo before fading out on a haunting piano melody.

Summary by Mohamed Abed

Völkermord is a stunning achievement for Hyperborean. The band has crafted an album that is both musically impressive and thematically weighty. It's not an easy listen, but for those who are willing to dive in, it's a rewarding one. Fans of black metal and extreme music in general should definitely give this album a listen.