Since their formation, The Hirsch Effekt have carved out a unique niche in the German-speaking music scene.

Yet, despite — or perhaps because of — their elusiveness, the band has captivated a devoted audience. Musically, The Hirsch Effekt have always embraced limitless possibilities. Acoustic, introspective moments — where bassist Ilja John Lappinbrings out his cello or guitarist Nils Wittrock returns to his classical roots — sit naturally alongside massive progressive metal onslaughts.

Today, the trio from Hanover, Germany, announced its seventh studio album, Der Brauch, out January 30 via Long Branch Records. At the same time, the band is giving fans a taste of the new work with the release of the title track.

Watch the visualizer for "Der Brauch" below.

Stream the new single and pre-order the album here.

While earlier works, despite their diversity, were still labeled "metal albums," this new record explores paths first hinted at on the multi-layered second album, Holon: Anamnesis — the same album that fans of VISIONS magazine voted the only German-language entry among the 20 best albums of all time. Der Brauch can be seen as a return to that pivotal point — and simultaneously as a bold step forward. Drummer Moritz Schmidt doesn't entirely forego blast beats, but the record demands a new heading. In the end, though, there is only one truth: It unmistakably sounds like The Hirsch Effekt.

THE HIRSCH EFFEKT ARE:
Nils Wittrock — Guitar, Vocals
Ilja John Lappin — Bass, Vocals
Moritz Schmidt — Drums, Vocals