Grendel’s Sÿster – Myrtle Wreath-Myrtenkranz

Grendel’s Sÿster

Myrtle Wreath-Myrtenkranz

Cruz Del Sur Music

Folk Metal

FFO: Tanith, Skyclad, The Lord Weird Slough Feg, Lordian Guard

Grendel’s Sÿster caught the eye of the folk/metal world back in 2019, as the German three-piece landed their debut EP ‘Myrtle Wreath’. On the success of this, the band signed to Cruz Del Sur and their EP has been re-released with a much stronger distribution.

                For Grendel’s Sÿster, what this means is a jump up in the leagues; the band now have the opportunity to bring a debut EP which is more than decent to a larger audience with their infectious folk/metal melodies and tight vocal harmonies tracks such as ‘Entropic Petroglyphs’, ‘Indra’s Jewelled Net’ and the ethereal ‘Cairns’ really show what Grendel’s Sÿster are all about. Yet, do not be put off by the ‘folk/metal’ label, this is wonderful music that relies on melody and hooks over ethnic instruments and excessive hurdy-gurdy, in fact, the absence of any instruments of this type allows the listener to focus almost entirely on the music and lyrics without being distracted by overly excitable violins. Furthermore, what also comes with this re-release is ‘Myrtenkranz’; the entire debut EP sang in German which gives a fresh new perspective and a breath of fresh air to something that was already available.

                When it boils down to it, this is a very good re-release; there is something different to be had here with plenty to digest and lines Grendel’s Sÿster perfectly up for a full-length studio album.   

Adam McCann