KÖPFEN – Ascending to Astral Rebirth Through the Sphere of Existence

The second demonstration from astral abductionist raw black metal act from members of Geheimnisvoll, Slavehouse, etc., continues the rabid attack kicked off by the initial demo from 2021. An unhinged and yet plodding assault that conveys nothing short of sheer mania. Through the deliberate disintegration of all that is stable and cohesive, KÖPFEN have once again created a piece that is driving, stark, as much as it is ugly and jarring. While they take a few notes from the growing blackened punk sound, they bring the BPMs down slightly to offer something novel and frightening in their approach. At once recognizable and appealing and yet somehow off-kilter and disturbed.

To say that this cassette is an enjoyable listen does it a disservice. While these tracks are brilliantly woven together and cohesively convey an aural/astral message, they do so with such abandon that they leave the mind contorted and the listener drooling fiendishly wondering what just happened. Yet another disturbed and impressive addition to the cannon of raw blackened filth that is the legacy of this label.

-EPH

Edition of 50