Richthofen are a fairly interesting band on several levels. They are primarily a band that leans towards the extreme forms of metal, in particular subgenres like thrash. And yet, despite this association, they don’t truly fit into any of those categories, because of the other elements that they impart into their music. At first glance, Helden der Zeit could be written off by anyone but fans of the more extreme genres, but as the CD unfolds subtle influences of gothic music, ambient electronica and industrial all slip in. As such, the only real genre Richthofen could be classified as is the blanket-genre of Neue Deustche Härte.

Now, based on my first paragraph the reader might get the impression that I was really impressed by this CD. Unfortunately, that wasn’t really the case. I feel that Richthofen have a great deal of potential (although it should be noted that Helden der Zeit was released in 1999, and I have yet to find any information about another release, so it is possible that they have broken up) but they just haven’t fully utilised it yet. Their tracks can become extremely repetitive at times, and their potential only really shines through on several tracks, most notably the opener, Vernabelt, which has an interesting background noise beginning, with the sound of waves coming in and out on a beach, a light rainfall, and an old radio all incorporated before the band comes in. It is moments like this which really make them worthwhile. This background noise is used in short intros and outros to several of the tracks on the album, and they do help to create a connection between the tracks, making the album feel more like a single piece, broken into movements, or perhaps as the soundtrack to an actual rainy day on the beach, and I have to give Richthofen credit for that.
My conclusion on what I’ve heard is mixed. I think that in small doses Richthofen can be a pleasant listen, provided one doesn’t mind some thrash elements, but stretched out to a whole album their sound can become somewhat grating and repetitive. They seem like a band that is perfectly suited to the EP, or the random mix of songs, as opposed to the full length album. As such, one most likely doesn’t need both of their full lengths, and of the two, this is definitely the superior. I would advise the interested to try out their music before committing to buying it.

Score:
Hompage: http://www.richthofen.net/
Reviewer: Paul Gifford