Firtan is a black metal band from Germany, who formed in 2010. Their latest album, “Ethos” is their fourth full-length album; they have also released two EPs.
Firtan have always strived to honor black metal while still willing to step outside its confines. That has never been more apparent than with the epic sonic journey that is “Ethos.”
It's absolutely incredible just how well these songs are crafted. They are atmopsheric and melodic but not floaty or overly etheral; there is some real meat on these hooks. Even as its most adventurous, the album remains rooted in the carnage aand ervor of the blackened arts.
“Ethos” is a statement from the band and it spoke to me with its musical musings. What is says to me is that it is possible to push the genre forward with new ideas without losing what makes it great to begin with.
Clean notes drape over the opening of the first song “Hrenga” like light filtering through a dim display. It isn't a warm light but a dismal one that just exposes decay and ruin.
The riffs are clever, put together thoughtfully with the rest of the song to keep it all flowing yet mindful enough to share the burden. The subtle keys eventually swirl into a mix with the guitars. Those elements paired with the insane howls and screams make for quite the sterling concoction.
And that's really the secret of the album and band—-how effective they are in combining and building so many layers and ideas….and how effectively it works.
Even when they take a more straight forward route, the songs still shine. The opening grooves and shrieking roars of “Contra Vermes” embraces the genre's more violent side. But there still exists a subtle layer that peaks through the horde of drums and riffs. And the bass? Slapped me into next Tuesday.
“Wermut hoch am Firmament,” arrives, brining with it wave after wave of aggression that crash against enigmatic shores. The solo is well composed, playing off the vibe of the song as it goes from emotional to searing.
“Ruakh,” is perhaps my favorite song on the album. I love the foggy yet flavorful tones in the opening minutes. The riffs are adventurous and pair well with the ominous chanting in the background.
Several fantastic screams rip through the song, never letting the atmospheric becoming too thin. The final half of the song features a lot of little details ans nuances that make it sound all the more fulfilling and deep.
The album as a whole has a lot going on but is never overbearing or cluttered; it unfurls itself as it continues to build upon itself. Thats a hard thing to accomplish but Firtan have no trouble pulling it off.
With “Ethos,” Firtan have finally honed their sound, combining all their eras while still paving the way for the future.
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