This is the debut album from Berlin-based quartet Engst (the title translates to ‘Major Fire’), and as the title may suggest it is all in German. That is probably down to their refusal to conform and do what is expected of them, and they certainly seem to be in this for the right reasons. An example of this is singer Matthias Engst rejected a label signing deal in 2015 after winning a music show (“The Band” with Samu Haber) at Germany’s TV channel Pro7 because they wanted to turn him into a model-pop star without an own personality. Instead he decided to go out and form a band doing what he wanted, and this is the result. Apparently the lyrics address social evils in society and the growing influence of the political right side, having a position against fascism and xenophobia, yet there is also room for topics such as friendship, love or little stories of everyday life. This is modern melodic rock with a heavy commercial element, falling into metal at times, almost as if Helloween had mellowed yet still kept their energy and aggression. It is something of a surprise to realise that Engst is in his thirties as this is the style of music I would expect from someone ten years younger, as there is a naive and devil may care attitude. Fans of the likes of Linkin Park could do well to investigate.

Rating: 6/10

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Engstmusik/
https://www.arising-empire.com/