Band : Atrocity feat. Yasmin
Album title : After the Storm
Label : Napalm Records
Distributor : Rough Trade Benelux.
Release date : 03/09/2010
Release : CD

It goes without saying that Atrocity has been one of Germany’s most successful bands the past years. One of the reasons for their success is without any doubt their experimental behaviour. Chief Alexander Krull seems to be unstoppable when it comes to music. One day, he’s working on the new Leaves’ Eyes album with his wife Liv Kristine, the other day he’s fully using his time working on his own work in Atrocity and then another day, he decides to send his sister Yasmin an invitation to join forces on the new Atrocity album, entitled After the Storm. And as I have already mentioned, Alex is very fond of family reunions. On this album, it’s very clear how experimental he and his style of music are. The style of this album is described as ‘ethno metal’, a softer style of metal, going back to the sounds of mother earth. There are a lot of folk influences and all sorts of instruments are present on this album. It’s not only about guitars, drums and keyboards. It’s more about traditional instruments, lyrics and vocals. That’s one of the reasons this album could be the perfect soundtrack of the Lord of the Rings films.
Yasmin had already worked with her brother in the past. This collaboration resulted in the release of the EP Calling the Rain, which was heartily welcomed by many metal (and non-metal) fans. So, it was quite obvious that a reunion was close at hand. And here it is: After the Storm, a purely unique album containing a lot of diversity and virtuosity. Especially songs like Call of Yesteryear and Transilvania will never let go of you anymore!

81/100

Tim Tronckoe.