Band: Varg
Album: Guten Tag
Genre: Black/ Pagan Metal
Label: NoiseArt
Release: November 27, 2012 (USA)

First off, the self-titled track “Guten Tag” is just one word: Epic. Varg balances heaviness with melodies, developing a unique sound. This track does not sound have a strong Black Metal influence, as the band’s previous releases did, but it still has that super catchy, and quite fantastic heroic folk melody in the chorus that we’ve come to expect from Varg. It’s a bit like a Melodic Death song with a fun Thrash metal kick!

A new sound for the band? Quite possible, as the tracks don’t sound as dark as a song such as Asatru, but throughout the album, you can still hear the original roots of the band. The track “Angriff” is a prime example of this. With the more melodic sound, at times a nod to what they have started out as is made, giving it that extreme edge that this band tends to put out. Could you ask for a better track? I think not. Well maybe “Horizont” may give you that little extra helping of black metal that you may need. This track starts off aggressive, with a dark atmosphere. The vocals range from a deep roar, to a higher pitch scream, showing that Freki and Managarm are a brute force to be reckoned with. All in all, this is just one solid song that would be absurd to skip.

As far as the pros and cons go, this album has nothing but great things to be said about it. Aggressive, yet calm, melodic, yet hard-hitting. This release packs a punch, that will deliver one heavy blow. Yes, the album is mostly sung in German, but there is one track sung in English. “A Thousand Eyes” features vocals from what sounds like Jonne Järvelä of Korpiklaani due to what appears to be his trademarked “joik” vocal style. Although, having an album sung in mostly German is simply bad-ass. This is one of the traits that makes Varg original, as they use their native tongue in their works. Stating a con on this album would simply just be a lie, as this album is diverse and very unique. There are, however, a few tracks that are wholly lackluster, but they aren’t at all bad songs.

Dark and uplifting, Guten Tag is an album that just delivers and won’t quit! By combining their pagan message with their aggressive thrash and black metal riffage, Varg is one of the most unique pagan metal bands out there. This release is a perfect example of how Varg is paving a name in the folk metal community. Guten Tag is their best release to date, and is a personal favorite of mine now. Why not pick up some merch online, and preorder the album? Have some new tunes, and share with your friends! Oh and must I mention for all you North American fans out there, that Varg will be supporting Eluveitie with Wintersun this winter, for a tour! Always been a Varg fan, but live in America, like me? Well then here is your chance to come see these guys execute a great high level performance! Preorder Guten Tag here, and show your support for these German metallers!

Rating

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Get the album here:

Bonus Digipack CD+DVD
Amazon.de
EMP.de

Other Versions
Napalm Records

Tracklist:

1. Willkommen
2. Guten Tag
3. Frei Wei Der Wind
4. Was Nicht Darf
5. Blut und Feuer
6. Angriff
7. Horizont
8. A Thousand Eyes
9. Weider Mel Verloren
10. Gedanke und Erinnerung
11. Leben
12. Anti
13. Apokalypse

Members:

Freki- Vocals and Guitar
Managarm- Bass, Guitar, and Vocals
Hati- Guitar
Fenrier- Drums
Skalli- Guitar

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Note from the DMK Editor:

GUTEN TAG! Possibly my favorite track of the year.

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