Raging in a very particular/peculiar 90s sort of way, Germany’s Alpinist are actually fairly refreshing in their no bullshit, to the point crust/hardcore/noise attack.
This limited CD reissue of the band’s two vinyl-only albums are very much in the vein of such other Teutonic grinding acts Acme and Systral, with a dash of Stateside malevolence reminiscent of The Swarm and His Hero Is Gone. Needless to say, this is some very good company, indeed, and Alpinist make the most of it here on Lichtlaerm and Minus Mensch, spitting out track after track of righteous musical indignation.
While the members of Alpinist certainly have a lyrical message to promote-namely one against any and all -isms and -phobias-the musical end of things is equally furious and thought out, utilizing the art of controlled carnage to their very best ability. There’s also some slight discordance and jangling rock lurking within Alpinist’s merciless rallying call; a nice bit of originality to coincide with
both of these album’s defiantly old school assault.
Certainly not traditional D-beat or crust by a long shot, Alpinist instead try their very best to be progressive, while simultaneously reaching back to a time and place where hardcore’s various offshoots stood for something besides fashion and hair styles. In other words, this is a breath of fresh air: go and seek it out.
(www.metal-army.com)
Southern Lord
2011
CD
