Urfaust (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Defunct | 2023 |
| Headquarters | Netherlands |
| Products | Atmospheric black metal music |
Urfaust was a Dutch band specializing in atmospheric black metal, active between 2003 and 2023.
History
The project Urfaust, taking its name from Goethe's Urfaust, initially started as an ambient endeavor led by the artist known as IX. The first demo, titled Urvaterlicher Sagen, was self-produced by IX. Subsequently, VRDRBR (pronounced "Verderber"), who had previously contributed to The Devil's Blood, became part of the lineup. Their debut full-length album, Geist ist Teufel, was released in 2004 through GoatowaRex. This was followed by Verräterischer, nichtswürdiger Geist in 2005. Over the years, Urfaust expanded their discography with additional albums, EPs, and split releases. Their final record label affiliation was with Ván Records, managed by Sven Dinninghoff, a former member of Nagelfar. In August 2023, the band officially declared the conclusion of the project.
Musical style
IX’s vocal approach included operatic techniques ranging from clean singing to harsh screams akin to those found in Burzum. The guitar work was characterized by heavy distortion and various effects, set against starkly dry and precise drum sounds. Certain compositions incorporated classical instruments such as violin, double bass, timpani, and trumpet sections. Critics have described their sound as both "challenging to absorb" and "intoxicating yet oppressive." The EP Drei Rituale jenseits des Kosmos prominently features drone doom elements reminiscent of the black/death/industrial metal group Abruptum. Meanwhile, Einsiedler leans towards a more melodic style with influences from post-rock and includes an extended keyboard solo.
Their influences span black metal, medieval melodies, ancient liturgical chants, and Shōmyō chanting traditions. Lyrical content draws inspiration from Goethe’s Faust and Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Song titles often present complex German phrases that are grammatically imperfect, such as Auszug Aller Tödlich Seinen Krafte, Der Halbtoten Dichters Schein-Existenz. The lyrics themselves are deliberately obscure and seldom fully deciphered; some listeners even question their presence.
A statement from the band clarifies that while vocals function as an instrumental component, lyrics do exist within their work. Notably, the album Der freiwillige Bettler features Dutch-language lyrics included in its booklet.
– Dirk Bengt: Review of Einsiedler in Burn Your Ears.
Members
- Final lineup
- IX (Villem) – guitars, vocals, keyboards (2003–2023)
- VRDRBR (Jim) – drums (2003–2023)
- Previous members
- Dolen – orchestral instruments (2004)
Discography
Demos
- 2004: Urvaterlicher Sagen (CDR/MC; self-released)
Studio albums
- 2004: Geist ist Teufel (CD/LP/MC; Christcrusher Productions)
- 2005: Verräterischer, nichtswürdiger Geist (CD/2×12"/MC; GoatowaRex)
- 2010: Der freiwillige Bettler (CD/LP/ALAC; Ván Records)
- 2016: Empty Space Meditation (CD/CD+LP/LP; Ván Records)
- 2018: The Constellatory Practice (CD/CD+LP/FLAC; Ván Records)
- 2020: Teufelsgeist (CD+LP; Ván Records)
- 2023: Untergang (CD/LP; Ván Records)
Live albums
- 2008: Oslo 24-03-07 (MC; Obscure Gate Productions)
- 2013: Trúbadóirí Ólta an Diabhail (LP; Ván Records)
- 2017: Acherontic Rite (12"; Ván Records)
- 2018: Live at Acherontic Arts 3 (CD/LP; Ván Records)
EPs
- 2008: Drei Rituale jenseits des Kosmos (CD/LP/MC; Debemur Morti Productions)
- 2009: Einsiedler (CD/12"/MC; Ván Records), MC via Terratur Possessions
- 2015: Apparitions (CD/12"/LP; Ván Records)
- 2016: Voodoo Dust (CD+12"/12"; Ván Records)
Split albums
- 2006: Auerauege Raa Verduistering with Circle of Ouroborus (MC; Ahdistuksen Aihio, Target:Earth)
- 2007: Vom Geist der Schwere / The Moselle Enigma with The Ruins of Beverast (7"/MC; Ván Records)
- 2009: The Adorn Japetus / Unter Töchtern der Wüste with Joyless (7"; Ván Records)
- 2011: Mitt Rike / Der König in Thule with Celestial Bloodshed (7"; Terratur Possessions)
- 2013: Spiritus Nihilus / Pagan Eyes Over German Skies with King Dude (7"; Ván Records)
- 2015: Het aalschuim der natie with Lugubrum (7"; Ván Records)
- 2015: Ghoulfaust with Ghoul-Cult (7"; Terratur Possessions)
- 2017: Heengegaan / Zelfbestraffingsten Denz En Occulte Raabsels with Wederganger (CD/LP; Ván Records)
- 2018: Lo-Fi LowLive – Live in the Netherlands with Black Anvil (7"; Ván Records)
- 2019: Bradobroeders with Lugubrum (12"; Ván Records)
Singles
- 2013: Die erste Levitation (7"; Ván Records)
Compilations
- 2012: Ritual Music for the True Clochard (CD/2xLP; Ván Records)
- 2021: Compilation of Intoxications (CD/12" vinyl; Ván Records)