The Hirsch Effekt // LIFNEJ [Single]

Aaron Van Akker
Nov 7, 2017
2 min read

Song: LIFNEJ

Band: The Hirsch Effekt

Release: Eskapist (4th studio album)

Area: Hannover, Germany

Date of release: 18th August, 2017

Genre: Progressive Metal, Mathcore / Post Punk

Reviewer: Aaron

For Fans Of: Periphery, Refused,

Listener beware, the first minute of this 6 minute 36 second German progrock effort will hit you harder than your mother the first time she caught you sneaking beer from your dad's stash.

The quick intro of blistering guitars, into punk screaming vocals that make me ask the question “is that what would happen if Refused and Periphery had a secret German love child?” the technical ability of everyone in this band is obvious, be it the sweeping guitars and slower more basic acoustic section that seems to appear out of nowhere, or the bass techniques displayed.

It’s a complex track, structure and time signature changes obviously aren’t an issue with the boys jumping around a lot, but that doesn’t mean the track ever makes you feel lost, it always seems to find its way back into structure, well worth the listen. Even though the vocals are completely in German, get on the Google translate, and follow along. The soaring vocals in the chorus will have you singing along even if you have no idea what you’re saying, as the guitar, bass and drums all work in unison to have your head rocking back and forth. Sit back, relax and take a trip with this German 3 piece.

The guys also have a video for this track up on YouTube if you have a spare 8:36 that plays more like an art-house film than a music video also worth a suss, giving a bit of a backing story to what can be gathered from the translation of the vocals.

Clean Vocals: 3/5

Scream Vocals: 4/5

Guitars: 7/10

Bass: 8/10

Drums: 8/10

Lyrics: 6.5/10

Songwriting: 8/10

Mixing: 6.5/10

Replayability: 5/10

Songwriting Integrity : 7/10

Complexity:8.5/10

Overall: 71.5/100