Artist: Kanonenfieber
Release Date: September 20, 2024
Genre: Blackened / Atmospheric / Death Metal
Formats Available: CD, jewel‐case, vinyl (various color variants), deluxe editions
Label: Century Media / Noisebringer Records
Description
Die Urkatastrophe (literally “The Ur-Catastrophe”) is Kanonenfieber’s powerful second full-length, a harrowing concept album that delves into the tragic realities of World War I. Built upon authentic letters, reports, and documents from soldiers of the era, the album seeks to illuminate the human cost of war — not to glorify it, but to memorialize and warn future generations.
In this release, Kanonenfieber expands their sonic palette while preserving their core identity. The music moves between blistering blackened death assaults, melancholic, atmospheric passages, and melodic interludes — all woven together with battlefield soundscapes, spoken‐word samples, and haunting production touches that ground the album’s emotional weight.
Vocally and musically, Die Urkatastrophe is ambitious. Tracks like “Der Maulwurf,” “Lviv zu Lemberg,” and the guest collaboration “Waffenbrüder” (featuring Maik Weichert of Heaven Shall Burn) show the album’s dynamic range. The closing moments build to a somber climax, challenging the listener to confront the cost of conflict in its most personal terms.