EP Review: The Hirsch Effekt – Solitaer (Long Branch)

The social distancing restrictions of the Corona era prompted The Hirsch Effekt to take a radical step: what if you not only recorded by yourself for the next release, but also wrote the songs completely alone? One song per band member. And so came about the concept of Solitaer, which means “living individually” and thus represents the antonym to gregarious – Social distancing as a song writing concept.

The opinion of the other band members was welcome, but required no necessity and didn’t need to influence the work of the respective musicians. In the end three songs were created, rounded off rounded off by a band version of the song ‘Gregaer’, which was originally created as an orchestral version. In addition, the CD version also comes with last year’s Gregaer EP included.

Solitaer will be released on August 26th, 2022 via Long Branch.

While those who pick up the CD version are certainly getting plenty of bang for their buck, those who only experience the new Solitaer EP are not being short-changed by any stretch of the imagination.

The concept behind the EP is fascinating. Ideally, such a thing should not exist, but the fact of the matter is it does and the unique scenario that forced its creation is not something to dwell upon. With each band member creating a song, there’s an expectation that they may go wildly off the deep end here. Stuffing their individual influences into their track and ignoring the aspects of The Hirsch Effekt that makes them so beloved.

That is not the case. This is recognisably the progressive metal sound of The Hirsch Effekt but it’s also something quite different too. From Palingenesis, a track that is filled with massive guitar riffs, melodies and impressive heavy proficiency. To Nares, a track that moves into more progressive territories while being faster, crunchier and weirder. Before Amorphus pushes the limits with chaotic heavy energy and exceptionally twisted melodies. Of all the tracks, this is the hardest one to keep up with.

The Solitaer EP is then capped off with a full-bodied and flavourful version of Gregaer. A track that combines esoteric guitar rhythms, punchy drum patterns and elegant vocals.

Overall, a fine example of how to make the best out of a bad situation. This EP will be remembered as a unique chapter in the story of The Hirsch Effekt.

The Hirsch Effekt – Solitaer Full Track Listing:

Solitaer EP:

1. Palingenesis
2. Nares
3. Amorphus
4. Gregaer (Solitaer Version)

Gregaer EP – CD Bonus Tracks Only:

1. Natans (Orchestral Version)
2. Domstol (Orchestral Version)
3. Kollaps (Orchestral Version)
4. Gregaer (Orchestral Version)

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