Germany’s Bethlehem have shaped extreme music for the last 28 years as one of the forerunners of so-called depressive or suicidal black metal. With their first three albums “Dark Metal” (1994), “Dictius Te Necare” (1996) and “S.U.i.Z.i.D.” (1998), they spearheaded a movement with lasting impact on several genres. At each turn, Bethlehem has released albums which perplex and enthrall their ever-growing audience. After an experimental phase, the group continued on it’s abrasive path with “Bethlehem” (2016), introducing a new line-up with front woman Onielar (Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult), whose punishing performance have, by now, become another trademark next to founding member Jrgen Bartsch’s unfailing inventiveness. “Lebe dich leer” (“empty yourself by living”) bears witness to that: Each song differs from the next, telling it’s own story while weaving together a sonic cloth of sheer terror. Haunting banshee vocals mix with melody and heavy riffs; d