Sünder ohne Zügel
In Extremo · 2001
54 min · 13 tracks · folk music
Medieval melodies intertwine with heavy guitar riffs, creating a distinctive blend of folk and industrial metal.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Wind Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Krummavísur — This track showcases the band's ability to blend ancient Scandinavian themes with electric instrumentation, highlighting their innovative approach to folk metal.
-
→
Die Gier — With its driving rhythms and haunting lyrics about greed, this song exemplifies the album's darker thematic explorations against an energetic backdrop.
-
→
Der Rattenfänger — A modern retelling of the Pied Piper legend, this track features captivating storytelling paired with potent instrumentals that encapsulate In Extremo's style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively merges folk and metal, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of medieval instruments alongside electric guitars, creating a layered sound that blends traditional and modern elements.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the folk aspect while maintaining a heavy metal edge.
- The first half of the album maintains a driving tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more atmospheric pieces that contrast with earlier energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- medieval melodies with grit
- immersive storytelling experience
- engaging sing-along moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek quick standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked significant commercial success and wider recognition for the band.
- Career context
- Sünder ohne Zügel is In Extremo's fifth studio album, released in 2001, during a period of increasing popularity in the German folk metal scene. Following their breakthrough album, 'Verehrt und Angespuckt' (1999), this release solidified their signature sound and expanded their fanbase significantly.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Schandmaul· Korpiklaani· Eluveitie
Tracklist
- 1 Wind Start here 4:25
- 2 Krummavísur 3:48
- 3 Lebensbeichte 4:39
- 4 Merseburger Zaubersprüche II 4:22
- 5 Stetit puella 4:05
- 6 Vollmond 4:00
- 7 Die Gier 3:46
- 8 Omnia sol temperat 4:14
- 9 Le 'or Chiyuchech 3:11
- 10 Der Rattenfänger 4:14
- 11 Óskasteinar 3:24
- 12 Nature nous semont 4:32
- 13 Unter dem Meer 5:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.