Review by Felix on October 4, 2020.

I remember that Menhir's debut delivered a pretty solid dose of black metal, but Buchonia is completely different. Only the Def Leppard discography after “Pyromania” is less metallic than this EP. Menhir showcase their pagan side and that’s not forbidden, but why do they do it in such a calm and lame way? Why are the clean male vocals accompanied by a female voice that lends 'Germanenkunst' such a kitschy touch? Not to mention the all-knowing narrator in the fourth track, was this really necessary? Why did they forget to use their electric guitars in an adequate manner during the recordings? So many questions and I have no answer.

But maybe I should be more open-minded. Let’s try to accept the concept of this EP, especially with regard to the fact that this format can always be the field for experiments and songs that would kill the flow of a regular work. The instrumental title track could be an acceptable outro on an ambient black metal album, but at the end of the day, it’s just a melodic piece I don’t want to listen to again in view of the fact that my shelves are filled to the brim with better music. And in view of the general approach of the band on this EP, it makes no difference that the melody of 'Sonnenwende' has charm, at least to a certain degree.

The production is well done for this kind of music. Expressed less politely, it is as defensive as the music itself. The lyrics are a feast for German patriots with an affinity for embarrassing pathos and lofty words. National-romantic hearts will come into bloom, I am sure. I also like my country, but I guess I do it in another way. However, if you like acoustic guitars, Jew’s harp and violin, you will potentially be happy to listen to Buchonia. All narrow-minded metalheads like me should not waste their time. Buchonia is an ambitious work, but it fails, because the artists were not able to express their emotions in an exciting manner.

Rating: 2.7 out of 10