"Thronräuber" CD by Totenmond

by Andreas Reissnauer (02.04.2008) Almost three years after their magnus opus, "TonbergUrtod", Totenmond are finally back – and this time they directly go for the throne! As usual, the Germans don’t make no compromises in their raw, true and honest music. Of course, also on "Thronräuber", you have the godfathers, Carnivore and Eisenvater watching over the sound of the trio, this time a bit more grounded than on the very metallic predecessor. Which reflects in the rough production and the wider extremes. Besides the known, slow parts, Totenmond also hit the speed pedal down to the end this time. Already the opener, "Luzifer stampft" is a big surprise. This is almost pure Black Metal, including screaming guitars and endless blastbeats. Still, the title is not programmatic because the other songs feature all beloved trademarks of the band. "Achtung Panzer!", e.g., is a simple, catchy hit, and "Sonnenstrahl" is extended minimalism.