Scalpture – Landkrieg (Review)

The NRW-based death metal juggernaut Scalpture is back from the battlefield. Their fourth studio album, Landkrieg, will be released on March 7th via Testimony Records. This new record revolves around the Thirty Years’ War, which devastated the German lands from 1618 to 1648. Scalpture are known for tackling historical themes in their lyrics and portraying the atrocities of war without any glorification.

After a short intro, “Into Catastrophe” transports you straight to the battlefield. The album’s production alone is massive and bestial. Not only lyrically, but musically as well, it’s clear how much the band seeks to depict the horrors of war. “Into Catastrophe” delivers a real stomper of a track, bringing soldiers right up to the enemy lines. Scalpture have always stayed true to their death metal roots, and this album is no exception. However, every now and then, they introduce melodic elements, as evidenced by guitar riffs in tracks like “Wallenstein.”

I was pleasantly surprised by the gang shouts (featured in “Til Jeret Undergang” and “Hell’s Choirs Chant”), which blend perfectly into the dark atmosphere the band creates throughout the album. They never feel out of place.

The same can be said for the magnificent bass playing. At times, it almost ventures into the territory of bands like Cynic, but overall, it remains very memorable and well-executed. I never expected such jazzy interludes, but they fit the sound perfectly.

The supreme challenge in death metal is to write songs that are both well-structured and easily recognizable. The NRW lads seem to have developed the perfect formula for this. A strong ’90s vibe, reminiscent of Bolt Thrower, combined with atmosphere, groove, and massive breaks, results in some of the best songs the band has ever written. “Den Mörka Nattens Lejon” pays homage to King Gustav II Adolph of Sweden, capturing the king’s pivotal role in the war. Musically, you can feel the power and atrocities that emanated from him, brought to life through pounding grooves and technically demanding riffs.

It’s absolutely incredible how historically accurate the band is in using music to represent such an epic as the Thirty Years’ War.

With Landkrieg, Scalpture have reached a new level of maturity, clearly showing that topics like war can be explored in detail without glorification. At the same time, they’ve grown musically by incorporating melodic and atmospheric influences into their already raw death metal sound. This album is a true epic—rarely has an album left me so in awe. An absolute must-listen.