Review: Angrrsth – “Znikad”
“Znikad” is an album by Polish black metal band Angrrsth. If you go for the download it’s a 4 track EP, while the CD version comes with an epic 7-minute bonus track.
The sleeve notes to the physical copy don’t actually list the last song. However “Nad Głową Sznur” is what differentiates “Znikad” from being an introduction to the Polish metallers and that of a full-blown release.
It shouldn’t really matter, but it does give listening to the album a different perspective, especially as I believe this is their debut. The last tune then is somewhat of an old school black metal track and in line with other European pioneers of the genre. However, those that precede it show a band unsure of which direction to take themselves.
Personally, I quite like the sense of confusion, if “Znikad” was any longer Angrrsth would sound disjointed, but all crammed within half an hour is fine by me. The opening track “Krew i Trans” flips between death metal riffs and fist-pumping breakdowns. Even frontman Hermann clearing his throat and spitting over the mic has its place.
Review: Angrrsth – “Znikad”
Polish Black Metal
“I Kopyt Słyszę Stuk” is a little more straightforward. Although it still comes with enough pounding bass drums and speed-guitars. Lyrically, given everything is in Polish, I’d struggle to translate, but Angrrsth certainly appear to have all the right hallmarks covered on the vocals.
Outsiders to the black arts may not realise such things can come with a more melodic side, after all, it’s not just about sacrificing goats. So with “Upadłem”, Angrrsth start to show another dimension, albeit descending into hell at the same time.
In contrast “Siarka i kwas” (Sulphur and Acid) comes through the speakers at a ferocious pace. It’s both hideous and delightful, which kind of sums up “Znikad” as a complete piece of work. As while Angrrsth may not be entirely coherent during “Znikad”, they do still sound pretty damn evil.
