Conceived as an eight-movement investigation into the development of Autumn from it’s Summer origins to it’s Winter apotheosis, Melancholie im Blattfall – literally sadness in the falling of the leaves – would indeed appear to take the listener on a multi-faceted and ever-changing journey through earth’s inevitable transition from fruitfulness to decay.

Depressive black metal is the artists’ chosen nomenclature for the music made on Melancholie…; it is not a genre that might be expected to carry the variety of emotion associated with the subject matter at hand, and yet all musicians connected with the project have performed at such a level as to transcend labelling and achieve the stated aims of the recording in a satisfying and ultimately rewarding manner.

Starting in almost bucolic manner with opening piece September, as you may expect, the project’s major protagonist, Herbst, has created a living worldscape that manages to portray the resignation associated with the remorseless onset of the dark days of winter. Hope reigns initially, a reverie inspired by the still warm Earth, soon replaced by worry, dread at what is to come and then, finally acceptance of Winter’s inevitable victory, and wonder at the serene beauty instilled by the arrival of the first snow. Does hope follow with the prospect of spring and new growth? Maybe this might be subject matter worthy of a second suite of music.

The artist manages to sate the requirements of most fans of the black metal sphere within the span of the music included here; Die Wälder Brennan (the woods are burning) is perhaps the most prosaic work here, yet simultaneously it is also the most vital and elemental, the most recognisable ‘black metal’ that the artists have to offer. In Unendlichen Himmeln (endless skies) offers more time for reflection and, perhaps sorrow; In this way are we guided as listeners through the many moods and feelings that are always associated with the change of season.

There can be no doubt that this work has been pieced together with the utmost care and sincerity of purpose; therefore I have no hesitation in commending it listeners of all shades of extreme music.

Melancholie Im Blattfall releases on September 9th.