German death metal tank called Scalpture are back with their fourth full-length album since the formation of the band in 2009 in the city of Bielefeld. Landkrieg (land warfare) is the moniker of this ten-tracker crushing, bulldozing and smashing death metal sonic assult. However, Landkrieg is much more than your usual straightforward brutal death metal as it has the depth that we rarely find on modern death metal scene.

The main theme here is the Thirty Years’ War during 1618-1648. It’s a period of religious conflicts (between Roman Catholics and Protestants) and other wars and turmoils and a state of great disturbance during that historic period that should later show was not only important for the creation of modern German state, but the one which irrevocably changed the map of Europe.

Tracklist:

1. The Fall…

2. Into Catastrophe

3. Til Jeret Undergang

4. Landsknecht

5. Wallenstein

6. Den Mörka Nattens Lejon

7. Of Siege and Besieged

8. Schwedentrunk

9. Hell’s Choirs Chant

10. Bellum Se Ipsum Alet

On Landkrieg they dig really deep into the historical events that took place four centuries ago. “The Fall…” is the first and short instrumental/acoustic track that sets the stage for the rest of the album. The rest of the album begins with “Into Catastrophe”. It’s a well constructed death metal song with driving & powerful riffs and a tireless working rhythm section. Next one is a real standout track for me, called “Til Jeret Undergang” – it has this strong, surreal and unexpected bass presence, to times reminiscent of some hardcore/thrash bands. “Landsknecht” (listen below) is another track that deserves your attention; mainly due to numerous tempo changes that make the song/album an entertaining and enthralling album. “Wallenstein” is an oppressive death metal song that doesn’t follow the usual principles as it features some slower tempo and evil growls, creating a sinister atmosphere.With this song they show the versatility of a genre like death metal.

The track “Den Mörka Nattens Lejon” is about Gustav the Second King Of Sweden, known as The Lion from the North. Another fascinating storytelling, and yet another piece where the bass is placed in a prime seat. “Of Siege and Besieged” features this experimental/post-metal vibe and atmosphere, while the following “Schwedentrunk” is completely different, a real smashing headbanger. “Hells Choirs Chant” is quick and a bit standard death metal song, while the album’s grand finale, “Bellum Se Ipsum Alet” is fitting and nice album closure, ending this longplayer on a high note, being both entertaining and neck challenging experience.

Speaking in general terms, most of the songs are kept at a moderate pace, with a minor exception of the smashing real headbanger “Schwedentrunk”. The sound this Gemran quintet creates is extraordinary and not something I have heard before. It’s a piece of old school death, but very clear guitar solos, dominant bass with a lot of space, really tight drums and brutal, hard-hitting yet varied and strong vocals.

In conclusion; there is not a bad track on this album! I like album’s ability to explore war themes in a detailed and nuanced way, avoiding glorification and instead offering a realistic portrayal of conflict. Although they write about factual historical event and themes about war, Scalpture is not a Sabaton (or any other band’) wannabe! Their approach is different, and you’ll find a glorification of war here. I like the way how they incorporate melodic and atmospheric elements into their death metal sound, showcasing musical growth.

Scalpture had an ambitious mission to conquer the world. I’m not sure that they’ll ever complete the mission, but what I’m confident about is that Scalpture is a shining gem among all the other mediocre (death metal) bands out there, listeners will not be disappointed with the listen to Landkrieg. A high recommendation, as Landkrieg is a compelling listen that resonates with most fans of death metal.

For additional information on this particular album visit their bandcamp.