ATRAMENTUM - THE WRATH WITHIN

ATRAMENTUM - THE WRATH WITHIN

Country: Germany
Year: 2025
Label: Independent

ATRAMENTUM, hailing from Germany, released their second full-length studio album, ''The Wrath Within'', on January 24, 2025. The sound of ATRAMENTUM can be described as a blackened doom-death metal blend, infused with atmospheric and dark metal elements. From the opening track, "Lighthouse," the album takes you on a journey through foggy landscapes, pessimistic moods, and introspective paths. Tracks like "Living in Dystopia" and "Higgs Field" perfectly showcase the band's ability to combine doom's melancholic undertones with the ferocity of death metal. "Back to Soil" features a more modern approach, with a groovy opening riff and a doomy atmosphere, punctuated by extreme blast beats and drum outbursts in the middle. "Emptiness Inside" stands apart from the others, leaning more toward rock, or even stoner rock, at its core. The clear vocals on the refrain add a unique touch, but the wildness and doominess remain, with growling vocals by Sebastian Schlenker completing the track. "Window" opens with a slow, punishing riff, giving way to a haunting guitar melody. On the other hand, tracks like "No One Escapes" and "The Noose" highlight ATRAMENTUM's more visceral side, with rapid-fire drumming and pummeling guitar riffs that hit with unrelenting fury. The harsh energy on these tracks serves as a necessary balance to the otherwise oppressive atmosphere of the album. "Another Life to Die" is a heavy and weightless track with low-tuned guitars and growling vocals. As with all of ATRAMENTUM's music, surprises and shifts in rhythm abound, with fast blast beats and double bass drumming that contrast with melodic guitar lines, creating a beautiful tension. "Farewell" and "Path to Salvation" are heavy songs featuring catchy riffs, sentimental guitar passages, and proggy drumming. "Path to Salvation," in particular, stands out with melancholic clear vocals (while the growls remain, of course) that elevate the track to a new level. "Lake of my Own Essence" is a classic death-doom track with dramatic shifts in rhythm, from slow and torturous to rapid-fire. The final track of the album, the title track "The Wrath Within," is a fascinating piece with a strange atmosphere, blending wild growls, bluesy (yes, blues!), heavy guitars, and beautiful piano melodies. This song stands out as both unique and compelling. ATRAMENTUM are exceptional musicians, and this is evident not only in their playing but also in their complex compositions. The production of ''The Wrath Within'' suits the music's intent perfectly. The sound is thick and heavy, with guitars drenched in reverb and drums that sound cavernous and rumbling. Despite the dense atmosphere, the mix ensures that each instrument retains clarity. The bass has a prominent presence, especially in the slower, doom-heavy passages, anchoring the sound with a foundation of heaviness. The production allows the album’s darker, atmospheric qualities to shine, while still allowing the aggressive elements to stand out when needed. The cover artwork is striking and atmospheric, and in its simplicity, it conveys a sense of anger and savagery. The CD edition that I hold is packaged in a Digipak with a booklet. Additionally, don’t miss the fascinating interview with Julian Gricksch (drums), which you can read HERE. For fans of PARADISE LOST, MY DYING BRIDE, and similar bands, ''The Wrath Within'' is a must-listen.

Lineup:
Sebastian Schlenker - Vocals
Tobias Norff - Bass
Julian Gricksch - Drums
Tim Stopar - Guitar
Oliver Dermann - Guitar

Tracklist:
1. Lighthouse
2. Living in Dystopia
3. Higgs Field
4. Back to Soil
5. Emptiness Inside
6. Window
7. No one Escapes
8. The Noose
9. Another Life to Die
10. Farewell
11. Path to Salvation
12. Lake of my Own Essence
13. The Wrath Within  

By Steve the Filthy Dog.

ATRAMENTUM CONTACT:

https://www.facebook.com/AtramentumHamburg

https://www.instagram.com/atramentum_doom

https://atramentum1.bandcamp.com/album/doomed-in-time

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5TbJp4ggBwzg0mQQezIjvI