One Listen Review
1st Listen 26 Aug 24
Reviewed 27 Aug 24
Grendel’s Sÿster – Katabasis into the Abaton
Cruz Del Sur Music
Released 6 Sept 24
Chances are, you are not going to come across a more interesting album than Katabasis into the Abaton by German Folk Metal outfit Grendel’s Sÿster in 2024.
This is one of the more enjoyable first listens I have had this year, bizarre, but enjoyable. Mythological lyrics are splattered throughout the album, tracks have galloping, almost NWOBHM still riffing, and then others sound like a song by The Pogues. Eclectic does not describe this album, indeed, I can’t actually think of a suitable description.
Opening track, ‘Boar Tusk Helmet’, has an immediate presence. The galloping riff is driven by a great bass run and then Caro fires in with her vocals. My God are they intense sounding vocals – think an aggressive Bjork, but far less annoying and whiny.
It does take a while to get used to the vocal style of Caro. It isn’t that they are poor, it is more that they are unique and occasionally at odds with the music the band are playing.
That sounds like a criticism, but it isn’t. It is often quite enthralling.
The actual band pretty much perfect throughout, the riffs are great, be it the NWOBHM of ‘Night Owls Beak’ to the more, I call it ‘Robin Hood style’ riffs of ‘Golden Key (Won’t Fit)’. There is absolutely not a single point in this album where you are comfortable in the knowledge of what is coming next. A rare and welcome commodity in a folk album.
I really enjoyed Katabasis into the Abaton. It was quirky, without being odd. It provoked your interest and the musicality of the album as a whole was great. It won’t be for all, but that will be their loss.
The DevilsHorns 
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