progressive post metal from rügen

The third album is often the stumbling block or the success album. The surface that results from three points or the last attempt to revitalize a band that has always been showered with praise by the German metal and rock media, but which has always lacked a second (and third) breath.

So what is “Beneath the moral void” in the case of Coal And Crayon? For the band from the island of Rügen, founded in 2006 (formerly Message In Blood), the journey up to the hiatus declared in 2018 was always stormy. Constantly accompanied by personnel changes in the drummer position, founding members Tino Damms (bass) and Robert Lefold (guitar) together with long-time compadres Norman Gäthke (guitar) and John Killies (vocals) always sailed with the wind. “We never managed to bring peace to the band. Something always came along and ruined the party,” says Rob. “From 2014 to 2017, until the release of KYRA (via Sportklub Rotterdamm/GHVC), the band ran like clockwork. Sometimes up to 20 concerts a year were played in Germany. After the release, the band was shattered, the batteries were empty and the fun was gone.”

The band rested for 3 years…

… before an emotional impulse reunited “Coal And Crayon” in 2021. For a final album or for a long journey? That is unclear. What is clear, however, is that “Beneath the moral void” has the power to be everything. Eight strong songs encased in a sound that unites the modern and the old-established. Never before has this band sounded so focused, three-dimensional and motivated. “Beneath the moral void” is sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, sometimes playful and also right in your face when it needs to be.

If you want to see for yourself, listen to the album. But beware…this journey can be stirring and stirring.

Listen to it here: