Germany’s Kärbholz have returned with “Kapitel 11: Barrikaden” recorded in their native tongue, but you don’t need to know a word of German to appreciate the power and strength of this album.
They’ve generally been referred to as a “Punk” band, but this one certainly is more of an all-out Metal assault. The guitars and production are more “Metal” for sure, the production gives you a massive sounding band that sounds like they need to be playing arenas.
My knowledge of Heavy German music lies much more on the Power and Prog Metal side so I can only compare Kärbholz to what I know. To me they fit more alongside bands like Chicago’s RISE AGAINST or BAD RELIGION and the more melodic Hardcore bands. When I hear the guitars in songs like 07 “Mut gegen Perspektive” I can help but think of German bands like POWERWOLF or BRAINSTORM. Of course, the vocals are such in a much more aggressive hardcore style.
Despite having a wife from Germany, my knowledge of the language is pretty weak since we live in the States. But if ever there was a language that fit Hardcore and Metal, it would be German. It naturally fits and there are times when I’m listening to Kärbholz that I actually forgot they were singing in German!
I would tell anyone who likes Heavy music, give this album a chance, there’s some great stuff here, despite whatever language you speak. Heck, there’s Death Metal bands that sing in English and I have NO idea what they’re saying, it’s really no different, the songs and hooks are here, this is a great album.
Tracklisting
1. Barrikaden
2. Raubtier
3. Unter ferner liefen
4. Gar nichts
5. Eins gegen Eins
6. Der Zug
7. Mut gegen Perspektive
8. Ohne Deckung
9. Ja zum Leben
10. Zu dir oder zu mir
11. Gib mir Deine Hand
Lineup
Torben Höffgen – vocals
Adrian Kühn – guitars
Stefan Wirths – bass
Henning Münch – drums
MORE INFO:
www.kaerbholz.de
www.facebook.com/kaerbholzoffiziel
www.metalville.de
www.facebook.com/metalville
