Review by Vladimir on March 14, 2024.

Last year I had the lucky opportunity of discovering a German black/death metal band Gottmaschine who had just released their self-titled debut album that left me surprisingly pleased. As of recently, the band had returned on March 8th, 2024 to spread their gospel of war, hatred and the forthcoming apocalypse with their second release in the form of a 5 track EP Kyberneth. If you wish to hear the destruction that awaits, stick around for this one. 

Gottmaschine once again unloads all the cannons with commanding blackened death metal in a strong military fashion which burst into flame with rapid-fire blast beats with frequent double-bass drumming, tremolo picking riffs and harsh growling vocals that altogether form a great symphony of destruction on the battlefields. Aside from their standard and frequent blackened death-thrashing style, the band also further expands their musical firepower by introducing some industrial and groove metal elements on the second track 'Maschinengott' and melodic guitar work on last two tracks 'Kyberneth' and 'Motormensch'. From start to finish, this album is a one big war engine made of steel and shrapnel that just breaks and kills everything that stands in the way, leaving no room for anything unworthy of its nature. 

Their songwriting remains mostly similar to that of their previous debut album, however by expanding it further with a couple of these interesting inclusions they did a good job at making everything just a bit more dynamic and engaging. All the songs are very enjoyable to listen to, with each song feeling like a dangerous weapon or a call to arms that is filled with marching and stomping, altogether leaving no prisoners behind. Surprised to say, this EP does feel like a standalone expansion to their self-titled debut that sticks to the musical and thematic formula of its predecessor, showing a great deal of potential for things that may come in the future. Production-wise, it sounds a bit messy sometimes but overall, I’d say that it is fairly alright and not so much of an issue. 

Although Kyberneth is a much shorter experience that successfully stayed faithful to the foundation of the band’s self-titled debut, it is nonetheless a great release that strengthened the musical power of Gottmaschine. It is very much a “Panzer Division Marduk” driven experience but in a much more contemporary direction that takes its work seriously without ridiculing and without pretentiousness. If you haven’t yet heard the band Gottmaschine, I suggest that you check out their self-titled debut album and then jump straight into Kyberneth. 

Rating: 8.4 out of 10