Year: 2020
Total Time: 47:42
Label: Vertigo
For twenty-five consecutive years, the German IN EXTREMO have been enchanting us with their Medieval/Folk melodies. As veterans now, known for their amazing stage shows, they are never absent from the summer festivals of the central (mainly) Europe. They are very popular in those countries too.
The most commercially successful band in the genre has just released their 13th album, entitled “Kompass Zur Sonne” (translated: “Compass To The Sun”). As a continuation to their previous wor, “Quid Pro Quo”, they follow a slightly “rockier” path, without removing all the nice elements that made us love them. Blowpipes, harps, hurdy-gurdy and all the other medieval instrument are here to stay! All songs have German lyrics of course (they have distant themselves from English a long time ago), except the song “Salva Nos” that is in Latin.
And, once again, the collaborations are present. The exciting “Gogiya” with RUSSKAJA and “Wer Kann Segeln Ohne Wind” with Johan Hegg of AMON AMARTH, in a traditional Swedish song that, unfortunately, is the weakest song in the album. The highlights are “Troja”, “Lugenpack”, “Gogiya”, “Nerrenshiff” and the same titled song as well as the anti-militaristic ode “Saigon Und Bagdad” (maintaining tradition…).
IN EXTREMO have changed musically. Not recently, it has been years since this change occurred. The medieval element, especially in their lyrics, has disappeared. Their metal steps are becoming fewer every time. But that is the reason behind their commercial success. “Commercial” does not necessarily mean “bad”.
This company of seven (with the one and only change in their line-up in the last 20 years) has given us another beautiful musical trip. Those faithful will honour it….the rest will have some nice time listening it.
Rating: 7/10
Editor: Nikos Vlachos
Related Link: IN EXTREMO – Official Page
