Label: Violence in the Veins
Genre: Doom/Sludge Metal
Length: 46:16
Today I’m diving into the upcoming album from the German band Coldspine. Let me be upfront, I’m not the biggest fan of sludge metal. It’s a genre I approach with caution, but every so often, an album comes along that grabs my attention. Coldspine’s debut album, Nullpunkt, might just be one of those albums. Before we get into the music, here’s a little background: this band hails from Germany and was formed in 2020. Their first EP, Desolation, came out in 2021, and now they’re gearing up to release Nullpunkt on December 13th through the Spanish label Violence in the Veins.
From the very first notes, the listener is plunged into a dense, suffocating atmosphere. The loudness dominates all the songs, a typical sludge trait, but the album stands out for its varied arrangements. For example, tracks like Torture Rack and Regression illustrate the duality between crushing slowness and unexpected, almost chaotic rhythmic changes. The bass solos and loud riffs help to create an atmosphere that envelops you completely.
One of the strong points of Nullpunkt is undoubtedly the drumming, which acts as the common thread running through the album. Whether it's the pounding strikes that open Misery Routine or the more pronounced rhythm on Absent, the drums are constantly brought to the fore to structure and energise the whole. It's this percussive role in particular that gives Coldspine a clear identity within the sludge/doom landscape.
Coldspine don't limit themselves to a purely doom/sludge aesthetic. Punk influences can be heard, notably in the vocals on Among Serpents, which bring a raw, immediate energy. Conversely, Odd and Misery Routine explore groove textures that add an unexpected touch, creating a captivating dynamic as you listen. As for the eponymous track, Nullpunkt, it stands out : slow, contemplative, but punctuated by interruptions and repeats. Although some tracks, such as Misery Routine (again this track), draw their strength from an almost death metal aggression, the album manages to avoid going overboard. Instead of losing itself in excessive violence, Coldspine dose their elements to maintain a palpable tension. To The Ground, for example, plays on striking contrasts with sudden changes in rhythm before returning to a more familiar cadence.
With Nullpunkt, Coldspine deliver a rich and intense debut album, a subtle balance between tradition and innovation. While the total length of 46 minutes may seem dense, each track contributes to an overall picture that is not lacking in interest. Even for those who don't consider themselves fans of sludge, the album offers musical nuances varied enough to capture attention and inspire admiration. An excellent debut from a band who, I hope, will continue to explore this unique and daring path.