Panzerfaust probably do not need much of an introduction. The black metal band from Canada has been around since 2005, and at the latest found some international recognition with the first release of their four-part album series, 2019’s The Suns of Perdition – Chapter I: War, Horrid War. Now one year later, they bring us the second installment, titled The Suns of Perdition II: Render Unto Eden.
Where Chapter I was – true to its title – a brutal onslaught of five punchy tracks that summed up to a bit over 30 minutes, Chapter II takes its time and is more explorative, expansive, atmospheric – the five tracks on The Suns of Perdition II: Render Unto Eden culminate in a running time of 44 minutes. The tracks run longer, but not as a result of mere repetition, there is craft going on here. Where a guitar riff is repeated, there are subtle variations in the drums and bass, the soundscape ever changing a bit. The riffs and the songwriting feels almost cinematic in nature, and hypnotic as they are, draw me in and capture me in their world. Render Unto Eden is a fitting successor to War, Horrid War, as it builds on what was established in the first chapter, but then consciously departs from it. There are quite a few parts here that feel more serene and hopeful than anything displayed on chapter one, but the overall feeling remeains melancholic and ominous. I would absolutely recommend listening to the two releases back to back.
The performances on The Suns of Perdition II: Render Unto Eden are spot on, every musician has his place and shines in his own right, but the overall unit works together perfectly. A positive surprise is the fact that the bass by Thomas Gervais is not only extremely well written and played, but also very audibly mixed on the record. What a rare pleasure to actually be able to hear the bass, especially when it plays such a crucial role as on this record. Special mention goes to the guest vocals and lyrics on album opener Promethean Fire, written and performed by pagan queen Maria “Masha” Arkhipova (Arkona). A beautifully haunting performance by one of the best voices in metal.
In conclusion, this is an easy recommendation. I liked War, Horrid War a lot, but I think The Suns of Perdition II: Render Unto Eden easily surpasses the opener of the tetralogy, at least from my point of view. It is a beautifully disturbing examination and aural exploration of one of the most troubling times in human history. This one will be hard to live up to by whatever installment number three will end up looking like. I am optimistic though, as Panzerfaust just proved once again that they are an absolute force to be reckoned with, and are not done with their conquest just yet.
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Born in ’88, living in Austria. I play guitar in various Blues / Rock / Metal projects and do my own amateurish music recording & production.
