ZORNHEYM – “Descending into Madness”

When i read an album description, I approach very cautiously as it is always about marketing. What caught my eye on ZORNHEYM, a band I had never encountered before, was their goal of creating a dark symphonic landscape full of twisted theatricality. A characterization that can be copy & pasted for countless others. Based on the logo and cover I expected a Black Metal record with some orchestral elements, which is exactly what happens on the first minute of “Deus Rex”. Little did I know that the Swedes would deliver one of the best records I have heard this year. A total and unexpected surprise.

What makes “Descending into Madness” a success is a blending of genres done well. At its core, it is an Extreme Symphonic Metal album that branches mainly into Black/Death, without hesitating to add Power and classic Metal pinches. It shares identical values with some of my favorite recent albums, from groups such as SEVEN SPIRES, AETERNAM and FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE. When the band decides to follow the orchestral/choral path, which happens a lot, they encompass the spirit of two genre-defining artists: THERION and HAGGARD. Yes, you read that right. They do not add a simple polyphonic backing vocal and call it a day, but deliver high quality choirs in a way similar to the legends mentioned. Their bombastic sound is finalized by the use of actual string instruments that give the orchestral arrangements their rich and warm feeling. The vocal puzzle is completed by a combination of both brutal and clean performances, that are equally represented.

Realistically though, the album is still a great Metal release. In order to get a better perspective, guitarist/bassist Zorn was at a point a member of DARK FUNERAL. The insane asylum houses haunting leads and maniacal riffs that will attack anyone careless enough to approach. This reference is also the core of the band’s concept. Everything ZORNHEYM does revolves around a single, chilling concept: a fictional mental institution called “Zornheim.” Their albums and songs act as chapters detailing the horrifying experiments, the psychotic inmates, and the sadistic doctors inside the walls of this asylum. The theme of “Descending into Madness” is quite literally the conceptual foundation of the entire band. They take their concept very seriously as the storytelling is completed through graphic novels and comic books, making this world a connected collection of media. “Descending into Madness” acts as a prequel to the story that was introduced with the first two full-lengths. I find all that stuff to be very interesting, and as a lore goblin I can’t wait to sink my teeth in both the other albums and explore the entire dreaded story.

It is clear that “Descending into Madness” is not just another album. It is created with great care and the result is a haunting artistic creation for people who want to experience something different. Naturally, blending this many extreme and melodic elements isn’t for everyone, as you may enjoy a good symphonic tune but not harsh vocals, or the contrary. If you belong in the category that enjoys both, but most importantly love a good horror story, this album is definitely for you. By listening, your admittance to Zornheim institution is complete. Your fate is tied to the appetites of Dr. Bettelheim, and your soul will only find solace in the music of ZORNHEYM.

92/100

Pavlos Pavlakis   

100: Godsent

90s: Excellent

80s: Very good

70s: Good

60s: Enjoyable

50s: Uninspired

40s: Bad

0s -30s: Unlistenable