Distanz
Bands which do not develope usually lose their audience quite fast, as standing still is never interessting. The development usually does not need to be a huge one, as small changes of the sound or the layout could be enough to remain interessting for the audience. Horn uses both options and so the cover does not show the usual landscape which is the first indicator for a change of sound…
The last records of Narreth thematized the nature, this time the lyrics are hardly influenced by war and how it affects nature, as you can see in songs like Die verlorene Rotte. The sound is much darker than before, as war is naturally darker than nature.
To create a harsher and darker atmosphere Nerrath makes extensive use of doublebass and nearly omitted all epicness. The riffs are still compelling and catchy but they are also affected by the latest changes, which means, that they are gloomier. You still notice the unique style of Horn as soon as any song starts, as he really found his own style of playing.
The first song Überall und über allem is catchy at first and nearly could have been an earworm, but it does not last that long. The guitars are unmistakably distorted and somewhat disturbing as they really sound airy. This characteristic lasts for the whole record, but the slightly hollow sound creates a good and cold atmosphere. The maintheme does not change dramatically from track to track, which causes you to get off the track.
The only real exceptions from this “monotony” are the last two tracks, which are unexpectedly calm and they do not suit the general mid-tempo jog. What remains the same for all tracks are the characteristic vocals, which are quite harsh in general with no real exceptions.
Conclusion:
Distanz is a good record, which should suit every former fan of Horn, although there are minor changes of style. When you hear the songs seperately they are well structured and exciting, but due to the lack of variety in the main themes they lose a bit of their attractivity and character when you hear the record as a whole.
Rating: 76/100
Date of release: May 28th 2010
Tracklist:
