Various Elements - Limited Edition CD

Heavyweights CALIBAN aren’t interested in genres or being pigeonholed at this point. They’ve moved on. But as an integral part of the early modern metal scene in Europe—full-lengths Vent (2001), Shadow Hearts (2003), and The Opposite from Within (2004) cemented the Germans as must-hear, must-see talent—the tag was vouchsafed by fan and press alike upon CALIBAN’s crushing, breakdown-driven music. Now, more than a decade later, the attributes of modern metal persist within the Essen-based quintet’s music, but CALIBAN’s signature sound is informed by a more diverse set of influences. New album, Elements, is proof that the Germans are growing beyond the borders of the genre.

“Elements is a logical progression from the last album [Gravity],” says CALIBAN guitarist Marc Görtz. “But we definitely expanded the range of music [we wanted to incorporate] on Elements. It’s going in extremely different directions. It’s heavier, but also more melodic. Also, Andy [Dörner] is doing all the vocals—harsh and clean—on the new album.”