Kanonenfieber – Die Urkatastrophe

Written by on 05-01-2025 at 20:30.

Noise, the mysterious individual behind this German Kanonenfieber and various other creations, used to distribute his music personally. At least, that was the case with the debut album, EPs, and other releases. He did this through his own label. This changer, however, with Die Urkatastrophe. A label like Century Media Records isn’t easily dismissed when they come knocking at your door. Meanwhile, Kanonenfieber has grown into a legend in the melodic death/black metal scene. The band has been playing extensively across Europe, and with this release that trend will likely continue.

The theme of the album revolves around the First World War, a conflict that caused immense pain and suffering. This war could be considered as a kind of primary catastrophe of the 20th century. At least, that is how the band’s mastermind, Noise, puts it. This album is a tribute to all who lost their lives, both known and unknown. Noise bases the music and lyrics on original writings, letters, and documents he managed to collect. It appears to be a very truthful representation of the misery described above. Let’s try to ensure this never happens again, though achieving that on his own may be a lofty goal. Menschenmühle was the title of the previous album, while Die Urkatastrophe is the title of the current one. I’m curious to see what’s next.

Grossmachtfantasie opens the album as a dusty message, accompanied by the typical Kanonenfieber ferocity. Soon enough, the pace picks up a notch making Menschenmühle the sharply penetrating and acidic opening track of what turns out to be an impressive album! The music of Kanonenfieber has the power to immediately transport you to the trenches, the battlefield, a field hospital full of wounded soldiers, or bombed-out houses lying in ruins over someone’s most cherished possessions. On Sturmtrupp, it feels as if Noise grabs you by the hand and drags you to the very top of the makeshift barricades. Keeping the enemy at bay with your roaring voice seems to be the way to go. Particularly effective in this regard is how the vocals closely follow the melody and rhythm of the guitar.

If you want to learn everything about spies, listen to the rattling Der Maulwurf. You can almost feel the looming threat as if a tank division is just two streets away from your doorstep. To me, the song is delightfully dominated by thoughtful basslines. Lviv Zu Lemberg rumbles and roars through your front yard, while your neighbor and yourself pick up weapons in Waffenbrüder to clean the neighborhood of riff-raff and vermin. In my opinion, and this is just a minor critique, there’s a bit too much growling, gurgling, and singing. The music is exceptionally strong, and letting it speak for itself sometimes can be a golden move.

Die Urkatastrophe is bound to bring Kanonenfieber even greater success. This German black/death machine will become even more prominent on the frontlines – the kind of frontline where it has a clear view of the enemy that needs to be overrun. I do hope that Noise still finds time for his other bands/projects, such as Non Est Deus or Leiþa.

Score:

85/100

Label:

Century Media Records, 2024

Tracklisting:

  1. Grossmachtfantasie
  2. Menschenmühle
  3. Sturmtrupp
  4. Der Maulwurf
  5. Lviv Zu Lemberg
  6. Waffenbrüder
  7. Gott Mit Der Kavallerie
  8. Panzerhenker
  9. Ritter Der Lüfte
  10. Verdun
  11. Ausblutungsschlacht
  12. Als Die Waffen Kamen

Line-up:

  • Noise – Vocals, all instruments

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