Release Date: 30th September 2022
Label: AOP Records
Genre: Black Metal

Tracklist:
1. Faðir
2. Amor Fati
3. Labsal
4. Lethe
5. Parhelia
6. Odem
7. Menetekel
8. Peraht
9. Medomai (Bonus Track*)
*available on vinyl and CD boxset

Line-up:
Oliver König – Bass, Backing Vocals
Phillip Thienger – Vocals, Guitars (lead), Keyboards
David Kempf – Drums
Chris S. – Guitars
Klara Bachmair – Violin

Review by Felin Frost

Rate: 9,5/10

Firtan is one of those bands that, like wine, get better and better as time passes. I like passion. I want to see (hear) that a band can give their blood and soul for the music they compose. Firtan has been showing me this since their 2018 album Okeanos, which I had the pleasure of reviewing. If the band presented a diverse and poetic sound tapestry, this time, it brings another majestic work that surpasses Okeanos. Firtan, like a few bands, develop and show their black metal in a very particular way without losing the style’s roots, including many elements and absorbing sound layers.


Like its predecessor Okeanos, Marter was recorded at the esteemed Klangschmiede E studio with Markus Stock of The Vision Bleak/Empyrium. To top it off, I won’t fail to mention the exquisite cover art by Władysław Podkowiński. Marter consists of 8 tracks, including a bonus track, Medomai. This album is a milestone in the world black metal scene, yes worldwide.

In addition to the sound layers that interpose and unfold in pure black metal, progressive metal, melodic black metal, atmospheric and post-black metal, the change of pace that brings out different types of moods in the tracks is what attracted me the most in Marter.

Marter’s lyrical theme addresses the isolation of the modern individual who finds himself torn between spiritual hope and existential failure. So from the beginning to the end, you have that visceral instrumental explosion accompanied by killer vocals interspersed with quiet and subtle parts. Measured doses of progressive metal and bespoke synths were a welcome addition. Not to mention string instruments, such as the acoustic guitar and the violin, which interpenetrate charmingly and lightly, providing moments of pure relaxation.

This is not a post-black metal album, as many might say. Marter is much more than that; it is composed of various surprising styles and, I repeat myself, very well orchestrated, built and grandiose.
Without fear of being happy, I finish this brief review, saying that Marter won me over and is one of the best Black Metal albums of 2022. I doubt a better one will come in the style they presented.
Congratz guys.

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