Heimataerde “Unwesen” (CD/Infacted Recordings)

Review:

		9/10
		Artist: Heimataerde Title: Unwesen Format: CD Label: Infacted Recordings Genre: Medieval-Electro Release date: October 22, 2010

Ashlar von Megalon returns in 2010 with the long-announced new Heimataerde-album “Unwesen”, after the EP release of “Dark Dance” late last year. Preceeded with the single “Malitia Angelica”, released in mid-September, the album features a total of 14 tracks including collaborations with Megaherz, the front singer of Mono Inc. and DJ Gillian. The album tells the story of the forgotten avenger who is on the road tracking old crimes to find vengeance.

Right away during the opener of the title track, you get the feeling that something have changed on “Unwesen” from previous albums. The sound feels updated, a lot heavier and darker, but also very fresh. Although, the medieval theme, which is the trademark of the Heimataerde sound still remains. “Gotteskrieger” is one amazing track that clearly represents that heavieness I talked about , but yet with a very melodic approach to be an awesome club track. “Dark Dance” is of course included on the album and is by far the heaviest track on the album. The track is a collaboration with DJ Gillian, who is the co-organiser of the famous German “Dark Dance Treffen”. Tracks like “Maarat An Numan” and the new single track “Malitia Angelica” – featuring Martin of Mono Inc. on vocals – has this melancholic state and more melodic vocals then other tracks but without loosing that unique Heimataerde touch and it sounds very well. Or to mention the EBM influenced “Wie Ein Tier” that I think would be a great stomper.

The significant use of bagpipes and cymbals that have been a part of the sound since the start in 2004 together with heavy electronic beats and soundscapes is what really make it sound so great, and not to mention very innovative. With “Unwesen” Ashlar take the next step into evolving the sound.

Tracklist:

01. Unwesen
02. Gotteskrieger
03. Niemals mehr
04. Gloria et Morte
05. Dark Dance
06. Der Erste
07. Des Spielmanns Lied
08. Stille
09. Maarat an Numan
10. Wie ein Tier
11. Die Buerde
12. Gottgleich
13. Malitia Angelica
14. Psalm 115