Review by SzejkElRopa on May 10, 2026.

Yes, obviously, I was going to skip an album with THIS cover. Jokes aside, the war (not that against Christianity) theme has recently become popular in the black/blackened death metal scene. Bands such as Minenwerfer or 1914 are the best examples of it. However, I will look at the first Kanoenfieber full-length "Menschenmühle" (human mill).

The first thing that can be noticed is the fact that no song is led by the same pattern. Some can be fricking brutal ("Dicke Bertha") and some, such as "Die Schlacht bei Tannenberg", are slower, more majestic, and longer. Every riff is different, which doesn't make this album boring at all. One of the best "tricks" was for the one when there were combined shoots and a brutal riff - I didn't know it would work so well. And what is more, Noise created it all by himself. What is more, he can operate his voice very well. He can do a deep growl ("Dicke Bertha" or "Ins Niemandsland"), and on other songs, he does a half-scream (e.g., "Grabenlieder"). My words of praise go to him also for insane backing vocals, which can be heard on "Grabenlieder," for example.

The atmosphere reflects the bad side of war. The music is all about hopelessness, fear for lives, and the terrifying side of life during the Great War. My favorite moments were when the speeches of some generals (?) could be heard, and in the background, there was a one-guitar sad melody. This happened on "Die Feuertaufe" or in the middle of "Grabenkampf". Another atmospheric moment was in the middle of "Die Schlacht bei Tannenberg", this melody with outstanding lead guitar was awesome! Also, Noise's screams contribute to the atmosphere very well, even though these are not typical atmospheric black metal screams. The quintessence of this album's atmosphere was, in my opinion, the last song - "Verscharrt und Ungerühmt", which was quite sad. It reminded me of "Tiroler Edelweiss" by Minenwerfer.

Instrumentally, the guitars were played stunningly well. The lead guitar was on another level, for instance, the fast melodies on "Die Feuertaufe" or "Der letzte Flug" are earworms to me. I will repeat myself, but there is no repetitiveness on this album. Drums are also played very well; there are blast beats, lots of cymbals, but in quieter parts, they are not overplayed. And bass is heard on some songs, for example "Unterstandsangst".

If you skipped an album with THIS artwork, it's time to catch up! Recommended to everyone who likes Minenwerfer or other black/death metal war-themed bands.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10