Hemelbestormer is said to be a band that creates intricate sonic journeys through space and time, and from the opening moments of the album with Usil, that is already evident.
The constant drum beat in the background with the guitar riffs overlaying it works really well to build up atmosphere before kicking into a sonic masterpiece – which is 10 minutes long and fully instrumental (aside from some atmospheric ‘oooooohs’), but it doesn’t need vocals to stand out! It shifts in intensity from melodic and calm to more intense and intricate before going back to melodic.
The alien sounds add that extra space element too, making it feel as if you’ve landed on some remote planet (although Usil is Etruscan for Sun). Whilst listening to the track, I catch myself thinking of what could be happening next in one of those silly 80s sci-fi movies.
Turms is straight out of the blocks with a heavy bass and clinical drums before the synths come in again to create a haunting space atmosphere. There are some vocals but they’re not too prominent until the second half of the track when you’re greeted with Caspian’s Philip Jamieson’s ethereal tones. At one point it makes you feel like you’re in the middle of an alien invasion with the intensity change. I think it’s my favourite on the album, especially with the last minute or so.
Turan is a beautiful and relaxing melody, which shows off the skill of Hemelbestormer’s members.
Later in the album you have a static-y intro with a guitar line for Laran. It’s very stop and start, with just the guitar and some overlaid ‘oooohs’ and more spooky sci-fi-like synths.
The atmosphere in Tinia definitely makes it a strong track, it combines the synth elements really well with the melodic and heavier metal sound and a sick riff.
The Radiant Veil is a journey through the Etruscan version of our planets and stars, all the way from the Sun to Saturn and it definitely is a journey.
The synths are used flawlessly throughout the album, with them highlighting the space and time theme well throughout. The way each track tells the story of space is done extremely well as if you sit back and close your eyes with The Radiant Veil, you could be forgiven for thinking you were indeed on a journey through space, led by the masters in Hemelbestormer.
You could use the album as material to sleep to (in a good way as it relaxes you) as it will send people off to the land of nod, dreaming about soaring through the planets in our galaxy and probably waking up wondering what happened next with the alien invasion…
Admittedly I hadn’t listened to much of Hemelbestormer but I really enjoyed this album, even if at times it sounded very repetitive. I think if you like sonic masterpieces like those from Animals As Leaders and Tool, then you should definitely check this out as you’ll appreciate the skills and sound.
