MINENWERFER - Der Rote Kampfflieger (MCD)

Since their formation in 2007, MINENWERFER has steadfastly pursued a unique and unadulterated vision of black metal with a distinct focus on World War I. What sets them apart is their idiosyncratic approach; despite hailing from America, the band predominantly delivers their lyrical content in German. This distinctive path they've chosen has led to a remarkably accomplished discography that has been quietly expanding, with their first album debuting in 2010, followed by subsequent releases in 2012 and 2019. Along the way, they've also contributed to an array of split releases and EPs.

Among these shorter offerings, "Der Rote Kampfflieger" stands out as one of their earliest and most intriguing releases. Within this EP, MINENWERFER presents the new track "Ace of Aces," a reworked version of "Albatros in Flammen," and two rather unexpected covers: one from the realm of deep martial industrial music, Striider's "Schuzengraben," and another from the legendary shredder Yngwie J. Malmsteen, with his early scorching hit, "I am a Viking." While MINENWERFER has undoubtedly established a unique and unmistakable sound of their own, they also demonstrate their fearlessness in pushing the boundaries and exploring uncharted territories within the realm of black metal.