The Hirsch Effekt - Der Brauch (2026)


I’m on board with the ambition more than the execution. Der Brauch is restless, clever, and clearly uninterested in genre comfort zones, but that constant motion also works against its impact. When it locks into a mood or a structural idea, it’s gripping — sharp dynamics, real tension, moments where the band sounds genuinely dangerous. Too often, though, it feels like the next idea arrives before the previous one has fully landed. I admire the refusal to simplify; I just don’t always feel the payoff matches the complexity.

Pros

  1. High compositional ambition – Frequent shifts, odd structures, and risk-taking keep it intellectually engaging.

  2. Strong dynamic control – Quiet passages matter as much as heavy ones; contrast is a real tool here.

  3. Clear band identity – Even when it splinters stylistically, it never feels anonymous.

Cons

  1. Fragmented flow – Abrupt transitions sometimes feel disruptive rather than dramatic.

  2. Inconsistent emotional landing – Not every experiment carries the same weight or urgency.

  3. Limited replay pull – I respect it more than I crave returning to it.





Genre: Progressive Metal
Country: Germany

Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 17th / 94

Highlight: Das Seil


Made me think of:
Leprous
Soen
TesseracT

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#ProgressiveMetal #TheHirschEffekt #Germany
#LP #Album #release

 

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