Though in existence for a decade and a half as of this writing, the first we heard from Dresden’s GORLEBEN was the 2021 EP containing ‘Sleepless’ and ‘Contaminated’, both songs well over the ten-minute mark, declaring the band as one comfortable with letting things play out naturally. Game Over followed, further sonic explorations ensued, and the sound seemed not so much “solidified” as “in flux”, but with a general idea of where the quintet wanted to go in mind.
The keys of 85KR begin the ‘Countdown’, almost TANGERINE DREAM in their nearly hypnotic pulse, joined soon after by the syrupy bass and drumming of 232TH and 239PU respectively. Two minutes in, fuzzed and languid-not-laggard riffwork enters, feelings of ‘Echoes’ and ‘When You’re In’ by PINK FLOYD, the care that’s gone into this record already at front of mind. Guitarists (and vocalists) 60CO and 235U are maestros, entwining blackened rasp and the gutturals of THEATRE OF TRAGEDY’s early – and only important – years to great effect, adding moments of clean delivery, which accents the proceedings.
At its root more overtly “heavy” than its predecessor, ‘Sarkophag’ manages to up the ante in its hallucinogenic aspect as well, keyboard swells and death rumbles battling in an upheaval of sound, awash in realms apocalyptic and, somehow, forlorn. Touches of early melodic death brushed by the guitars against the canvas of aural majesty before us, slowly all but fading [5:10 – 5:29], only to rebuild from a Middle-Eastern flavored guitar and synth piece that wouldn’t be too out of place on an ALLAN HOLDSWORTH or MIKE OLDFIELD release. While these may seem out of sorts in comparison to a death/doom band, be assured that they make sense when this sonic orgy enters your skull through your earholes and romps around a while. When I use the word “climax” to describe the final two minutes of this, I’m not so sure I’m stretching the metaphor at all.
‘Erg’ carries a bit of DEAD CAN DANCE in its DNA, tribal rhythms, mid-range vocals from both singers weaving threads of the crestfallen, notes of DSBM coming off as uncontrived and caustic, crestfallen. Controlled feedback and snaky keys join slithering drums and rambunctious bass work, but it’s the open spaces in ‘Erg’ that show the fivesome has become incredibly adept at knowing when less is more, and confident enough to not “have” to fill spaces that should be allowed to breathe. More bands should take a lesson.
Ending with the title track, a lumbering yet strident riff behemoth, replete with URIAH HEEP styled keyboard flourishes (is that a Hammond B-3 or are you just glad to see me?), ethereal vocals, and yet another weird…well, imagine a collaboration between MESSA, THE MONOLITH DEATHCULT and Emissaries-era MELECHESH, and you might be close. That GORLEBEN can take these possible influences and disparate sounds and craft something as (yes, I’m going to say it) vital as Menetekel speaks to a band that could last the ages. Personally, I hope they never find what they’re looking for. That’ll keep GORLEBEN adventurous, and those of us who are lucky enough to hear them along for the ride.
Review By: Lord Randall
GORLEBEN
Menetekel
Darkness Shall Rise