Heidenreich is one of many myriad bands that have simply popped out from the Austrian black metal scene. The amount of good bands (composed of such a small group of people) -- which are often nothing more than side-projects -- coming from there is amazing. These Austrian guys are really able to work well together, and the scene is much like the (now shattered) "apocalyptic folk" -scene from the UK. Heidenreich is a project of Abigor's Peter K., with Thurisaz doing the vocals. According to the homepage, the band is still active (although Thurisaz is no longer a part of it) but seems to now be without a label as this album sadly did not sell enough.

The music is much less defined (constrained) than that of Abigor. The aesthetic concept is basically the same, but explores further into more obscure directions. Synths are as prominent as guitars, and the music is more astral (ambient) and grand. The songs are also more structured than on Abigor. The content of the album is occult, but unlike Abigor, not as Satanic (or should i say that the connotation and perspective is a bit different). Thurisaz' clean vocals are worth mentioning. His vocals in general are far better on this album than on Abigor's "Channeling the Quintessence of Satan"; his screaming, too, is more diverse. Sadly the lyrics are not included.

The last song does not seem to belong to the album. Romantic crap, drama. Sounds of rain, piano played by the wife...

"we're rising from within deep red waters"

© 2001 rotblood