Band: Attonitus
Title: Opus II – Von Lug Und Trug
Label: Black Bards Entertainment
Distribution: Sonic RendezVous
Release date: March 25th 2011
Review: CD

North-German based band Attonitus, formed in 2005, did evolve enormously since the early years. Initially, the band performed rocking yet traditional medieval music, yet as from the debut album on (Opus I – Von Blitz Und Donner, 2008, self-produced), they incorporated elements from Rock and Metal. However, in spite of their (enormous) popularity in their home country, Attonitus are almost unknown outside Germany.
Earlier this year, Attonitus signed to German Folk Metal label Black Bards Entertainment and this might open the borders to the rest of Europe. As you know, BBE do house some of the ‘bigger’ names within the Medieval, Folk or Pagan-inspired Rock / Metal scene.
The recording process took quite a long time, but the band didn’t make it too easy for them. Eight different musicians, with both electronic (guitars and bass; + drums / percussion) and traditional instruments (not only bagpipes, yet also davul [a kind of drum], citter [guitar-alike strings], shalms [like an oboe]) and flutes [that stuff to blow on, you know], and a wide range on vocal contributions, combining medieval and modern music; no, it wasn’t such an easy process to transform these elements into one organic and coherent whole.
The lyrics especially deal with the dark and dictatorial side of the Christian Church as merciless institute during the Middle Ages. They come with lyrics in German – not that uncommon at all when it comes to this kind of music.
Opus II … opens with an oppressive and darkened intro, followed by the title track. This song combines different levels as from the very beginning: acoustic guitars, then electric guitars and traditional instruments; Von Lug Und Trug is a pointed introduction of what to  come. The first ‘real’ song, Der Ketzer, is such a hymn that characterises the current peak within the Folk Metal scene. It has everything: the traditional instruments versus electronic ones, rough yet epic and melodic vocals, a mid-tempo-oriented drive, the injection of a  violin-intermezzo, Rock-meets-Medieval Folk tout court. Very predictable, unfortunately, and done before several times. That’s the main part’s approach. Sad, very sad. Especially with the knowledge it has been done before with more persuasion, conviction and craftsmanship. Damn, it bores the sh*t out of me.
A few highlights: some elements of Der Alte Ritter, one of the heaviest songs on the album, some intermezzos, pfff…
Maybe for fans of In Extremo, Subway To Sally or Letzte Instanz.

65/100

Ivan Tibos.