If you’re preparing a time capsule and need an album that teaches future generations about the different styles of alternative rock, then ‘Eskapist’ would be an excellent choice. Germany’s The Hirsch Effekt have created an encyclopedia of alternative music that covers a spectrum of sub genres in one record, from experimental post-hardcore, prog-rock, anthemic alt-rock, post-rock and even elements of black metal to create an expansive and all-encompassing record. The band’s refusal to abide by convention results in a truly unique experience that’s as impressive technically as it is in scale.
The guitar lead line and screamed vocals of opener ‘Lifnej’ evokes the same complex instrumentation and frantic energy of The Fall of Troy, before it heads deeper down a complex path of winding time signatures and dynamic rhythms. At its end is a melodic passage that moves the song into anthemic alternative rock, before rounding off with a prog-rock section that completes the journey. It’s an ideal scene setter for a record that doesn’t hold back and this genre-agnostic creative freedom continues throughout its substantial run-time.
Even though The Hirsch Effekt transcend multiple styles, the transitions are seamlessly smooth, blending together elements that should be opposed as though they naturally fit. Aside from the interludes, most tracks are at least five minutes long – 14 minutes in the case of the epic ‘Lysios’ – but at no point do they become overbearing or unnecessarily drawn out. The band have a tremendous ability to make sizeable chunks of time pass in an instant thanks to excellent pacing, allowing ‘Eskapist’ to capture the band’s myriad ideas without feeling bloated or in need of editing.
As well as demonstrating their expertise in songwriting, the band’s instrumental ability is also vast. The guitar playing often brings SikTh to mind with meandering riffs and impressive phrasing, and with a rhythm section that’s able to piece countless dynamic sections together with ease, there’s plenty here for technically minded listeners to get their teeth stuck into.
Nils Wittrock’s vocals cycle through screams, hoarse yells and melodic, clean singing, and matches these choices perfectly to the mood of each song’s journey. By singing in his native German language, it gives the record another level of authenticity and unique character.
The Hirsch Effeckt are a band at the peak of their craft. They have the technical ability to execute whatever they put their minds to, and that happens to be a vast, open expanse of creative ideas. The combination of their experimentation and skill results in an unconstrained, unique record that acts as a breath of fresh air in alternative music. It’s refreshing to hear a band push the boundaries of what’s capable and when it’s done this well, and executed so flawlessly, it acts as an encouraging example for other bands to follow suit and think outside the box.
MARK JOHNSON