Varus - A New Dawn
Varus are a relatively interesting death metal group that inject a ton of symphonic melody into their work, but it is varied and dynamic and not just keyboards all the way through. Sometimes the way they employ the symphonic bits are a little odd as the music can sound too ‘happy’ or fantasy metal-ish which clashes with the harsher death metal side of their music, but overall each track is a pretty fun listen. Fans who have been with this German group since 2014 have been anxiously awaiting another release and 6 years later it is finally here. “A New Dawn” touches on everything that fans of symphonic metal and death metal would probably like- harsh vocals that would appeal to fans of Wintersun with a guitar and symphonic backing that can be akin to mid era Agathodaimon, but less black metal-ish. It isn’t as grandiose as groups like Septicflesh go for, but there is still plenty of depth to enjoy.
The opening ‘Awakening’ is quite a start for listeners as it spans 9 minutes and takes one through a varied ride of keyboard driven passages mixed with upbeat riffs, hyperblast drumming, piano sections, and even choirs. Varus hits hard with the symphonic bits then pull back a bit and let the guitars and drums take over for more of a death metal feel and then hit hard again before softening up for the solo piano moments and then mixing everything together. It is a well crafted song and the staple for what is to come on the rest of the album. Not as many of the other tracks span to the epic proportions this one does, so if one can get through the first one, they are in pretty good shape for the others. Those who feel that the symphonic bits are too cheesy will be sad to know that Varus has plenty of those moments here. Sure there are more ‘death metal’ oriented tracks like ‘Ascheregen’ that have more of a foreboding tone to them or ‘Wandel Der Zeit’ where the symphonic sections seem to support more than lead the music, but even with these harder ones the keyboards are structured in a progressive manner similar to how Ihsahn might use them so there is still dept and variety there.
Things do get a little weird on ‘Trank Dein Herz’ and ‘A New Dawn’ as the symphonic elements add in a bit of medieval tones to them, really drawing listeners into the fantasy zone of metal. Especially on ‘Trank…’ listeners may feel like they are listening more to a group like Finnitroll with its almost polka/ accordian style pace and may be unsure whether to dance or head bang. Still a fun track through. ‘A New Dawn’ includes some great backing female soprano vocals which cut away some of the cheesiness of the music while not blowing up into a full on choir until later, and the flute/ keyboard combination with the drums is pretty battle ready and really gives the whole medieval metal feel to it, almost touching into Sabaton territory. Varus even touch on folk moments with what sounds like pan flute on ‘The Minstrels Chant’ is is probably the farthest from death metal as these guys could get, but those who like their music interesting and a bit out of the ordinary will really enjoy it. The vocals still have their snarling touch but feel softened with the percussion added in among the flute, and plenty of ‘drinking choir’ to boot. And if that wasn’t enough, the accordion on the closing ‘Die Letzte Schenke’ mixed with its thrashy tones will really get one on their feet.
True, “A New Dawn” is a bit out there even for symphonic death metal standards. Some might think it is too happy for their taste, but those who like a sound of ‘drinking metal’ along the likes of Ensiferum vs. more ‘raiding metal’ such as Amon Amarth will really enjoy what Varus has going for them. The lyrics are mostly German with a few English ones but the tracks have so much melody and energy behind them that one will probably bellow along the lyrics whether they know them or not. And if one has a drink in their hand at the same time, that’s all the better. Definitely a music choice for those who want to hear upbeat metal that may or may not have brutal lyrics behind them, but one will be too busy clinking drinks to tell.
4 / 5 STARS
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The opening ‘Awakening’ is quite a start for listeners as it spans 9 minutes and takes one through a varied ride of keyboard driven passages mixed with upbeat riffs, hyperblast drumming, piano sections, and even choirs. Varus hits hard with the symphonic bits then pull back a bit and let the guitars and drums take over for more of a death metal feel and then hit hard again before softening up for the solo piano moments and then mixing everything together. It is a well crafted song and the staple for what is to come on the rest of the album. Not as many of the other tracks span to the epic proportions this one does, so if one can get through the first one, they are in pretty good shape for the others. Those who feel that the symphonic bits are too cheesy will be sad to know that Varus has plenty of those moments here. Sure there are more ‘death metal’ oriented tracks like ‘Ascheregen’ that have more of a foreboding tone to them or ‘Wandel Der Zeit’ where the symphonic sections seem to support more than lead the music, but even with these harder ones the keyboards are structured in a progressive manner similar to how Ihsahn might use them so there is still dept and variety there.
Things do get a little weird on ‘Trank Dein Herz’ and ‘A New Dawn’ as the symphonic elements add in a bit of medieval tones to them, really drawing listeners into the fantasy zone of metal. Especially on ‘Trank…’ listeners may feel like they are listening more to a group like Finnitroll with its almost polka/ accordian style pace and may be unsure whether to dance or head bang. Still a fun track through. ‘A New Dawn’ includes some great backing female soprano vocals which cut away some of the cheesiness of the music while not blowing up into a full on choir until later, and the flute/ keyboard combination with the drums is pretty battle ready and really gives the whole medieval metal feel to it, almost touching into Sabaton territory. Varus even touch on folk moments with what sounds like pan flute on ‘The Minstrels Chant’ is is probably the farthest from death metal as these guys could get, but those who like their music interesting and a bit out of the ordinary will really enjoy it. The vocals still have their snarling touch but feel softened with the percussion added in among the flute, and plenty of ‘drinking choir’ to boot. And if that wasn’t enough, the accordion on the closing ‘Die Letzte Schenke’ mixed with its thrashy tones will really get one on their feet.
True, “A New Dawn” is a bit out there even for symphonic death metal standards. Some might think it is too happy for their taste, but those who like a sound of ‘drinking metal’ along the likes of Ensiferum vs. more ‘raiding metal’ such as Amon Amarth will really enjoy what Varus has going for them. The lyrics are mostly German with a few English ones but the tracks have so much melody and energy behind them that one will probably bellow along the lyrics whether they know them or not. And if one has a drink in their hand at the same time, that’s all the better. Definitely a music choice for those who want to hear upbeat metal that may or may not have brutal lyrics behind them, but one will be too busy clinking drinks to tell.
4 / 5 STARS
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1. The Awakening
2. Trank Dein Herz
3. A New Dawn
4. Ascheregen
5. Ein Lebewohl
6. Wandel Der Zeit
7. The Minstrels Chant
8. Die Letzte Schenke
2. Trank Dein Herz
3. A New Dawn
4. Ascheregen
5. Ein Lebewohl
6. Wandel Der Zeit
7. The Minstrels Chant
8. Die Letzte Schenke
Self released
Reviewer: Colin McNamara
Jul 29, 2020
Jul 29, 2020
Next review:
Ritualistic - Hollowborn
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