Album Review: Der Weg Einer Freiheit - 'Stellar'

While "trve" black metal seems to be a dying art, Germany is still known for producing some impressive metal acts, including Der Weg Einer Freiheit (that's One Way of Freedom, for us English readers). Put simply, the lads are here to show us that this style still has plenty of life left within. New album ‘Stellar’ is a classic black metal journey laced with careful melody and musical excellence.

‘Repulsion’ echoes in parts and offer a softer, doom metal tone in other moments. Der Weg Einer Freiheit are the charmers, happy to set the mood and atmosphere early. Any concerns that this might be an overwhelmingly progressive affair are alleviated as scratchy distortion and angry screams pave the way for the prominent black metal template to prevail.

The album adopts an aggressive tone and spits out some serious venom. Tracks like ‘Requiem’ absolutely pummel through the agency of the drums...and, well, in this reviewer's humble opinion, these are some of the most ferocious vocals you're likely to hear in 2015.

The record, however, still manages to weave in considered melodic riffing that gives the collection of tracks that extra layer of intrigue and satisfaction. ‘Einkehr’ is still a fast and aggressive metal track but provides a beautiful melody that lifts the heavy aesthetic.

'Stellar' only provides us with six tracks, all close to ten minutes long except for the absolute onslaught that is ‘Verbund.’ With these six tracks though, Der Weg Einer Freiheit  have managed to take the defining elements of black metal, incorporate some stunning melodies and make an impressive album rich in grand and dark soundscapes.

‘Stellar’ provides the listener with anger, energy and everything good about black metal mixed with musical texture, which is refined to make a powerful album. It is hauntingly dark and atmospheric just like black metal should always be.

1. Repulsion
2. Requiem
3. Einkehr
4. Verbund
5. Eiswanderer
6. Letzte Sonne