Caliban

Zeitgeister

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Genre: Metalcore.
Released: 14/05/2021
Via Century Media

Album Review: Caliban – Zeitgeister

The ever versatile Caliban are back with their latest album ‘Zeitgeister’. The metalcore outfit from Essen Germany has quite the dedicated fanbase, so the excitement around this upcoming album has been astounding. The successor of 2018’s ‘Elements’ promises to be an interesting album into the band’s discography so without any further delay, here are my thoughts on Caliban’s ‘Zeitgeister’.

Let’s kick things off with the title track ‘Zeitgeister’. A very atmospheric track sets the mood and scene for the album right off the back with the help of an almost angelic style of melody created by choir-like vocalists. The song flows perfectly into the track ‘Trauma’ which doesn’t waste any time on bringing the intensity. Blast beats and crushing gutturals accompanied by Matthi from Nasty’s vocals make an unusual pairing that works surprisingly well. Following that is the animatic ‘Herz’. This song is a blast to listen to from its powerful riff progressions to its heavy as hell percussion. The use of some more melodic focused phrases adds a nice bit of contrast that helps the song to remain memorable. A solid start to the album from ‘Caliban’.

‘Ausbruch Nach Innen’ is up next and this is a perfect example of just how well the German Language works with heavy metal! You get a real sense of aggression from this track. That allows the song to feel full of character and makes you want to listen to it again and again. Unfortunately, the album isn’t perfect and I found ‘Feuer, zieh’ mit mir’ a little bland. It’s one of those songs that just fades into the background when you’re listening to it. I wouldn’t recommend this one if I’m honest.

Thankfully, ‘Nichts ist für immer’ brings the album right back on track with its use of syncopation and melody. It’s a no-nonsense heavy track that will get any metalhead excited. I feel like this is a track that has been written with the intention of a live crowd belting it back to the band. I cannot wait to witness how hard this song goes in at a live show. Similarly, ‘Intoleranz’ feels like it could be the band’s anthem. The song is full of everything you’ve come to expect from Caliban with the addition of a more haunting aura around the track. This is by far my favourite track of the record and I have nothing but praise for it.

Nearing the end of the album now and the penultimate track ‘Mein Inferno’ gets its job done and gets it done well. The intro to this track is truly something to behold. This track needs to come with a whiplash warning as it will have anyone who listens to it banging their head for its entirety. So, the stage is set for a huge finale and ‘nICHts’ delivers in every single way. The band’s synergy is unlike most, allowing them to create tracks like this that just seem larger than life. I could not think of a better way to finish up an album so hats off to the guys in Caliban.

Overall, the album was a joy to listen to and I feel as though Caliban may have struck gold with this one. Their interesting take on the metalcore genre has always been something you’ve had to experience for yourself and I think this may be the bands finest album to date. You’ve got to check this one out for yourself!