Wow, a CD cover with colors, and then so many at once *g*. Usually I deal with more with dark and evil publications (also optically), so that the new release by the German Pagan metallers MINAS MORGUL immediately obtained my attention. And with its colorfulness, the cover of Todesschwadron Ost (meaning as much as death squad from the east) represents quite well the high rate of variety and diversity the listener will find on this album. First to mention the singing of Nidhogg vom Walde (who recently left the band), who manages everything from clean, heroic vocals to the typical Pagan/Black Metal shrieking or even some technically distorted Death Metal growls in the title track.
The three guys working on the strings and drummer Andreas mostly focus on the mid-tempo sector, but nevertheless provide speed changes and breaks often enough. Framed by recurring speedy Black Metal passages, the mid-tempo riffs are brought to their strongest effects. Songs like Noir or Wulf, being introduced by a beautiful instrumental, provide good examples for extraordinary headbanging-riffs. Besides the traditional combination of pagan and black elements, also different sounding tunes can be found on Todesschwadron Ost, e.g. Stahlpakt 54 impresses with some nice backing guitar melodies. And the Jews-Harp-assisted track Wie Es Uns Gefällt (translates to As we like it) is a perfect drinking and party song.
Until the end of the album, the horde from Frankfurt/Oder manages to surprise the listener with unexpected ideas. I don’t want to get too much into details though; you better simply buy this album and find out by yourself. Todesschwadron Ost is a really strong album and warmly recommended to any friend of melodic Pagan and/or Black Metal. Even after several rounds in the player, you won’t get bored at any time.
Finally good look to MINAS MORGUL for finding an adequate new vocalist! I’d be quite disappointed if I could not see them at the Ultima Ratio 3 due to line-up problems…