Austrian black metal band Irdorath have been active since 2005. If you're wondering about their name, here's the explanation. It's taken from J.R.R. Tolk... No! Sorry, it's name for a place in "Gothic II" computer game. I think the origin of the band name does not really help to elevate the band's evilness, now does it?

What kind of black metal are they offering here, on their second out of three released full-length albums, then? Well, it ranges from melodic to more aggressive, and to more atmospheric moods (slower 'Stummheit'). It's actually quite a varying chunk of heavy-sounding black metal. However, the lack of originality is one of the clear deficiency for Irdorath. Pointing out that downside does not mean that the band's music is totally worthless, though.

The title track starts the album with aggressive black metal accompanied with some German folk metal and melodic death metal, sounding something like Old Man's Child, Helritt and Immortal Rites put together. Heavy-handed rhythm guitar, bass and drums with some rather catchy lead guitar work. Old recipe, but if it works, why change it? The opener is a nice little song with quite an amount of different parts, so it doesn't stagnate at any point.

But then, on the second song, the mundane happens, as synthesizer work in vein of Dimmu Borgir/Old Man's Child and about a million other bands after them happens. Oh how tinkling and corny instead of chilly and ominous they are! Gladly that's it about the synthesizers on the album. This album was reissued by Massacre Records, and another band from that label can be name-dropped now: Catamenia. However, Irdorath sound German because of their riffing style, which recalls for many folk/pagan bands from their neighbouring country, and this is also valid for some lead guitar work. The black metal bits of course include tremolo riffing and croaking vocals. By the way, the lyrics are in German language, and I'm really not interested to start translating them.

In any circumstances cannot I dub Irdorath unique. Oh, and I must not forget the Immortal-esque feeling of 'Fleischgeword'ner Antigott'... However to their benefit, they do possess the drive to elevate even something below average to sound rather enjoyable. Surely, not on every occasion, but still a big chunk of destined-to-dullness material gets a good kick in the behind. I believe this is partly due to energy the band managed to emit into the music, and partly to the double-edged production. The drums are loud! They are also quite clacking and boxy. The lead guitar is ballsless compared to the drums. The rhythm guitar is more fleshy, and is boosted by rumbling bass guitar. Basically, the sound lacks of atmosphere.

In conclusion, 'Dekonstrukteur des Fleisches' has many major flaws, but it still is somewhat enjoyable. It's not an album to sit through with: It simply isn't that varying nor good enough, or in any way a deep album music-wise. It's one of those albums, that one can imagine that it could have easily been so much better than it is, but it's still not a total disaster.

Rating: 5½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/13/2015 18:36