#AlbumReview: Norgaahl – Black Spirits

Band: Norgaahl
Title: Black Spirits
Label: Independent
Release date: May 15th, 2026
Country: Germany
Format reviewed: High-Quality Digital Recording

#AlbumReview: Norgaahl – Black Spirits by Sílvia

The Bavarian band Norgaahl was founded in 2016 and, after two EPs, it was time for them to release their debut full-length album called “Black Spirits”, delivering a massive and brutal sound: modern death metal with some technical playing and an overwhelming atmosphere that looms over the listener as soon as the album starts.

I must be honest, as I am always when I write my reviews: it was a bit hard for me to connect with this album in the beginning, probably because of that “modern” death metal approach in their music (I’m more old school, you know…), so it was a bit of a challenge to write this one. But, as I listened to it several times, I started enjoying the different elements that converge in it.

The common thread in these songs is darkness, in different manifestations. The lyrics delve into dark Bavarian myths, ancient legends, historical and folkloric evil creatures, and even a tavern tale soaked in blood and insanity as the closing theme; all these storytellings are presented to you wrapped with brutality and a crushing sound.

Let me introduce the band members to you: Michael Langner (lead vocals); Maximilian Gottinger and Fabian Schneider (guitars, vocals); Sebastian Beer (bass); and Anton Fingerhut (drums).

There are different vocals all along these tracks, from ominous gutturals to raspy screams, and this diversity enriches the songs. There’s a special collaboration in “Bluadschink” by Gündo Vural (vocalist in YMP). The drummer is not afraid to smash his kit fiercely, his work is intense and overwhelming, there’s not a single moment of respite for him in this album… I love his technical playing, it’s not all about beating fast n’furious, there are a lot of rhythm switches and control, he’s very skilled.

The bass definitely has a big role in Norgaahl’s songs, and it’s everywhere, adding an extra groove to their music. It shines by its own in some passages (like in “Waller”,and in “Noagerlzuzla”, with short and delicious solos) and creates a feeling of threatening depth. It’s like staring into the bottom of the abyss before being consumed by darkness…

And the guitar work is truly infectious. Be it at the rhythmic section and at solos, the guitars are brilliant, with a clean and polished sound, very well crafted and executed. There are three guests playing solos in some of the songs: Christian Wieser (from Virial), Yannik (from Bloodline, Hadean…) and Atilla Fay, so… more to enjoy.

This is a delightful album, quite complex and dark. I’m sure it will please lovers of technical playing. 8/10

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8/10 To Greatness and Glory!
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