Herfst – “Necrotica”

I have a confession to make. Herfst sent me this album months ago and I’ve only just got around to reviewing it. And, I have a really crap reason for my delay… You see, when I received the MP3s, they were marked up with the artist name as H E R F S T and not Herfst. I did initially try to find out which was the correct way to display the name, but I still wasn’t completely sure, so I gave up. And, to be honest, not knowing the correct way to write the name was upsetting my OCD. I worry about myself sometimes.
Anyway, the other day I decided “sod it, I’m calling them Herfst”, so that’s what they are! Even if that’s not correct, I’m going to ask them to change their name so that it is correct on my iPod. I am a strange little creature.

Ok, now that we all know that I’m a little bit of an idiot, I’ll get onto the review. “Necrotica” is a hearty slab of horror-themed Blackened Death Metal. It’s headbang worthy at various points (in fact, it almost has a Behemoth vibe occasionally), but it’s also the kind of music that you could just stick on and chill out to. I say ‘chill out’… I actually mean that it’s great to listen to and let it take you on its journey. It’s not all that relaxing if I’m honest.

This album has a near polished sound, but it still manages to have a live feel too. I know this is quite contradictive, but that’s what I’m hearing… and I did warn you that I’m a strange little creature. It’s easy to imagine that you’re at a gig, watching Herfst onstage and getting caught up in the moment.

In terms of atmosphere, the album moves from being in-your-face, hauling itself along like some rabid nocturnal animal… to being more sinister and unpredictable. At all times you’re fully aware that you’re surrounded by darkness – as well as whatever beings that darkness may contain.

The drumming is insane. Now, admittedly, I’m no drummer. But when the drums are pummelling along like they do on this record, I’m going to say that the drummer must be pretty good. Really good, in fact. However, it’s the guitars and vocals that really hold centre stage here. The vocals are what you would expect from a Blackened Death Metal release and they’re executed fantastically well. The riffs performed on the guitars and bass really drive each track along – bringing you further and further into the twisted realm of Herfst – and the guitar solos really make you sit up and take notice. Or stand up and take notice… depending on which you would prefer.

All in all, this is a highly enjoyable album. In fact, it’s downright intoxicating from start to finish. I really should have reviewed it sooner – sorry folks!

Rating: 97%

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