Diamond in the Rough - A Review of Erdling's Helheim

Erdling is a German Neue Deutsche Härte band that combines industrial rock with gothic rock. The group was founded by former Stahlmann and Sündenklang guitarist Neill Freiwald, the son of late television host Walter Freiwald. The band has been quite productive as it has released five studio albums in its seven years of existence. Helheim is the most recent offering featuring eleven songs with a total running time of thirty-seven minutes.

The band is quite distinctive from similar genre bands because it explores its extremes further than many other groups. Some songs feature quite fast and heavy riffing evoking a gloomy and menacing atmosphere in the key of groups such as Ewigheim that should sit well with gothic metal fans. In other tracks however, the group employs a more melodic style recalling folk and pop soundscapes and harmonious low vocals recalling Unheilig.

Opener ''Rabenherz'' is among the heavier tunes with steady drum patterns, gritty riffs, sinister programming and variable vocals with low guttural parts and ethereal clean parts that add an epic atmosphere.

''Der Mensch verdient die Erde nicht'' is an obvious single candidate as it combines thought-provoking lyrics with a mixture of aggressive sections with emotional vocals and melodic passages such as the epic chorus with additional choirs and danceable electronic elements.

''Fimbulwinter'' flirts with appeasing folk melodies and an overall slow pace. Guest vocals are performed by filmscore and soundtrack vocalist Julie Elven who adds a smooth note to the middle section that also features the record's most beautiful guitar solo. This is a quite experimental song by Erdling's standards but the risks are certainly rewarded because this song qualifies as an immediate highlight.

Another noteworthy tune is title track ''Helheim'' with its enchanting electronic textures recalling groups such as Alphaville while the soft and almost narrative vocals recall the aforementioned Unheilig. Once again, these risks pay off and make for an imaginative song that grows with every spin.

''Das Ritual'' is another outstanding tune that might however be controversially received since it's only based upon simplistic folk-inspired electronic sound samples combined with monotonous spoken word passages recalling groups such as E Nomine. It's the kind of song that would fit perfectly on the soundtrack of a folk-inspired open-world video game but not so much on a contemporary metal or rock album.

The concluding folk ballad ''Baum des Lebens'' continues this style but modifies it further as it flirts with neofolk inspirations in the key of Dornenreich and Empyrium. This ambitious closer ends a courageous album on an airy, dreamy and imaginative note.

As you can read, Erdling's Helheim offers more diversity than many other Neue Deutsche Härte bands or even industrial rock and gothic metal groups in general. While several experiments work surprisingly well, others might be controversially received and could need some time to grow on many listeners. This experimental side makes the final result creative, entertaining and surprising but also at times confusing and incoherent. At the end of the day, Erdling's Helheim is recommended to open-minded listeners who value inspiration over consistency and don't mind occasional shifts in genre and quality. If Erdling were able to work on smoother transitions between its different styles in the future, then the quartet could potentially compete for the genre throne and earn its definite commercial breakthrough after the pandemic. As it is now, the band must still be considered a diamond in the rough with some unexploited potential but much promise. The tendency is very positive but the band could still grow and achieve greater things in the near future, so let's keep a close eye on these sympathetic German underdogs.

Final Rating: 80%