Black Metal is obviously one of the larger subgenres of Heavy Metal, but the actual reach of it is just so vast that you can come across huge variations on the stylings that it is incredible. Think to the early days of 'Gothic' music, with the likes of FIELDS OF NEPHILIM, I would call their conception maybe some of the early beginnings of Black Metal, along with the likes of VENOM and MERCYFUL FATE. What a spread of styles across those three bands alone, so it is always a special day for me when I get to review a Black Metal album, as it's like a box of... Actually no. Nope. Not finishing that.

"The Realm Beyond" is the sixth full length release from LEBENSNACHT, spanning 40 minutes and six tracks. It almost feels like somewhat of a concept album to me. But I could be completely wrong, I just had this air of a journey through the music... But maybe we can unpack that later, and you reader could let me know if you got the same feelings? The artwork is quite simple in its design, but I couldn't help feel that it is beautiful and quite trippy in its own right.

Opening is "Fallen Soul Under A Pale Star" and there is a cry to part of the 'concept' for me instantly. The cawing of the raven, I can see it sat in the snow covered forest watching the world change around it. The blisteringly fast music makes the imagery in my mind act like a motion capture video, time lapsing the destruction of the creatures habitat. With the emotional and piercing vocals giving life to the emotions felt. There is this really moving section toward the latter stages. Stripped back and vulnerable, it just adds such a depth to the music that really just tugged on my heart strings a bit.

"Moon And Stars" continues on the themes of despair and pain, with the wretching vocals piercing through me. The introduction for this track, for me, had a little more bollocks to it, with the walking guitar line as a constant presence in the background of the music, becoming the spine of the track if you will. "The Evil That Is Men" continues to hammer home that atmosphere, it is such a huge part of the album, it's quite astounding how it all really flows seamlessly together.

"Ravens Flight Over The Northland" and "Ravens Flight To The Realm Beyond" continue with that concept theme. I close my eyes and see a birds eye view of the snow topped forests of Northern Europe, but also the changing landscapes too. The lights of the cities and towns, the industrial skylines of factories and production plants. Before a more ethereal and mystic backing styles becomes more prevalent, signifying the journey to the realm beyond. "Entering The Realm Beyond" is quite confusing, messy and busy; as one can only imagine the task of entering the realm must be. But I want to take a little bit of time to talk about what is going on in the background. All the little elements that have come together to create this effect. It's all well and good slapping down some riffs and blast beats, using the standardised blueprints. But the use of synths within the tracking has real created this extra dimension to the music, and if I am honest it really knocks it up another level altogether for me. I can't help but feel that the back tracking really helped to create that concept imagery for me.

Overall, another solid release from LEBENSNACHT, as always they should be proud of what they have achieved and produced here. Fans of Black Metal be sure to get this added into your library.