Album Review: Dem Alten Verbunden by Hallgard
Alright, let’s talk about Dem Alten Verbunden by Hallgard. Released in 2012 under the label One People One Struggle Records, this German heavy metal gem is a raw and unapologetic ride through thundering riffs, pounding drums, and lyrics that feel like they’re ripped straight from history books or fiery political debates. If you’re into rock with a heavy dose of attitude, this one might just hit the spot.
First off, big props to Mudhater Design for the artwork—it’s got that gritty, rebellious vibe that fits perfectly with the music. And speaking of the music, there are some real standouts here. Let’s dive into two tracks that stuck with me.
The first is “Die Zeit Ist Reif.” Man, what an opener. The track kicks in hard, like someone lighting a fuse under your chair. It’s fast, aggressive, and feels urgent—like the band’s trying to tell you something important before it’s too late. The vocals have this raspy intensity that grabs you by the collar, while the guitar work is pure fire. You can almost picture a crowd going wild to this live. It’s one of those songs where halfway through, you realize you’ve been nodding along so hard your neck hurts. Love it.
Then there’s “Bilderberger,” which takes things down a darker, more conspiratorial path. The riff slinks in slow at first, building tension like you’re sneaking around some shadowy backroom deal. By the time the chorus hits, it explodes into this wall of sound that feels both epic and kinda ominous. The lyrics? Totally on point if you’re into questioning the powers that be. Even if you don’t speak German, the energy alone tells you everything you need to know. This song has stayed stuck in my head for days, and not in a bad way.
Other tracks like “Wikinger” and “Revolution” bring their own flavor too, mixing historical themes with modern rage. But honestly, I think part of what makes this album work is how unpolished it feels. There’s no overproduced sheen here—just honest-to-goodness heavy metal grit. It’s refreshing as hell.
So yeah, Dem Alten Verbunden isn’t gonna win any awards for subtlety, but who cares? Sometimes you just want an album that punches you in the face and doesn’t apologize. What surprised me most about this record was how much it made me wanna dig deeper—not just into the music, but also into the stories behind the songs. Like, did Carl Heinz Weber really inspire “Landsknecht”? I dunno, but now I kinda wanna find out.
Final thought: if heavy metal albums could double as history lessons, this would be Exhibit A. Now excuse me while I go Google Bilderberg meetings…
