Lord Wind - trailer of the upcoming video

Here you can watch a trailer of the upcoming video for 'Nothing is
Dark During Sunrise' from last Lord Wind's album 'Ales Stenar'. You can
also purchase an album via Wolftyr Prods (CD and LP) or Werewolf
Promotions (cassetes). 

Lord Wind is a neofolk side-project of Rob Darken (Graveland).

Eternal Helcaraxe - 'Against All Odds' (2012)

Eternal Helcaraxe

'Against All Odds'

Abyss Recs.

2012

Eternal Helcaraxe is an irish black metal horde with some pagan metal attitude. 'Against All Odds' is their debut full-lenght album (even if the guys are playing since 2003).
This introduction is not very original, but from the other side - the music that I have to describe is not very original too. But I appreciate bands like this much - if they know what they want to achieve. Eternal Helcaraxe uses old, tested patents. So we have here fast black metal riffs with some epic attitude, ultra-fast drum beats and furious, harsh vocals. Very often the music is also assisted by keyboard in the background, which creates more epic sound. But don't worry, this is not a poor version of Dimmu Borgir but a juicy metal sound in 100%.
So as you can see - we have here all of the good stuff from the 90's. And what can I say? At the beginning the album makes quite a good impression, and I was pleased with what I was listenning to. Epic music, glorious texts about proud of irish heritage and such things - it all makes a good impression. I've heard similar things quite many times, yet I still enjoy it.
From time to time the band slows down, and rarely it is weaving some non metal tunes into it's music (like acoustics). Unfortunetely regardless of that each track sounds very similar to the other ones, so at some point a listener is starting to loose contact with the music. For me it would be OK, but such kind of playing should be taken in smaller doses - half of hour is a perfect time for this. After that everything starts to sound the same. At the beginning of this review I had stated that I apreciate not very original bands if they know what they want. Eternal Helcaraxe is one of them - they understand how to create a hellish, yet a bit epic sound BUT my rating would be one point higher if their opus was a bit shorter.
I advice the band one of two ways - to complicate your music a little bit more, or simply record shorter material. Yet still the content of 'Against All Odds' is really not bad - fans of myths, metal and paganism can give it a try.

Rate: 6/10
Vladyka

A Youtube 'clip' for the track 'Invictus':

Tracklist:
1. Claim Your Place With Gods
2. One Stands Still Here
3. Invictus
4. We Assist Death
5. Shadow of the Wolf
6. As the Snow Gathers
7. Echeos Through Our Blood
8. Against All Odds (All the Battles to Come - part II)
Total time: 50:24

Korpiklaani - "Manala" (2012)

Korpiklaani

"Manala"

Nuclear Blast 

2012

What is Korpiklaani propably every fan of folk metal knows. This is one of the most influencial band on the scene. In circles of grim, cult pagan metalers it is considered as a shame. Yet fortunetely I not one of them, so I can with a clear conscience describe you what "Manala" contains. Some of you may also say that I am a hypocrite, since I very often write how I disguist modern jolly-polka folk metal bands. Yet in my opinion Korpiklaani is something more than only merry glorification of alcohol, and I'll try to show you it in this short review.
The album begins in a very weak style - two first tracks are very bland. Really - no lively melodies, no relish of melancholy - nothing! Luckily after'em we can listen to the best track on this album "Rauta". This pulsatory bass, vivacious melodies and a bit "shamanic" relish makes it a perfect hit for a concert! Also vocals make a good impression - if you have ever heard finnish language you know that it can be so damn catchy! This is how Korpiklaani's music should sound.
Next tracks are not as good as "Rauta", yet they still keep the unique atmosphere of Korpiklaani's characteristic music. Sometimes it is more metal ("Ruumiinmultaa"), sometimes more melancholic (like a great song "Synkka") and sometimes the music turns into more merry fields. So Finns are giving us again more or less the same. There is nothing innovative here, but if somebody likes their previous works he should also like "Manala" (if, as me, hadn't listen to their every album though). Especially that this merry side of their music is now a smaller part, and that's very good in my opinion. And by the way the album is sung only in finnish - I really like that. Finnish language fits such music much more than english. I also appreciate how much this music is filled with traditional folk music of this region - it is so original that you can't mistake it with any other.
Some people say that Korpiklaani is a one, big joke with this merry singing about alcohol and other silly stuff. Yet first of all - that's just one side of the coin. More melancholic tunes are alwas important part of every Korpiklaani's album. And secondly - I think that what Korpiklaani is doing is in 100% authentic. The music recorded for this album is clearly played by people who love doing what they're doing. They claim that they are not pagans, yet their band is more "pagan" than many other true Heathen, Kvlt and Evil Hordes. Paganism is an affirmation of life, both this happier and sadder sides. And on "Manala" the band shows it again. Maybe it is not as good as the genius debut album "Spirit of the Forest", yet it s still quite nice.

Rate: 6+/10
Vladyka

P.S
I could rate it on 7/10 if not those two first tracks, which are horrible.

A videoclip to "Rauta" single:

Tracklist:

1. Kunnia

2. Tuonelan Tuvilla

3. Rauta

4. Ruumiinmultaa 

5. Petoeläimen Kuola 

6. Synkkä 

7. Ievan Polkka 

8. Husky-Sledge 

9. Dolorous 

10.Uni

11. Metsälle 

12. Sumussa Hämärän Aamun 

Total time: 45:48

Jarun - "Wziemiozstąpienie" (2012)

Jarun

"Wziemiozstąpienie"

[Self-released]

2012

Jarun is a polish black/folk/progressive band founded by Zagreus in 2008 in Nowy Sącz. "Wziemiozstąpienie" (try to say it fast, huh!) is their debut album. A very tasty debut album, I must admit. I've heard many good opinions about this young horde, but the music that their bring us pass all my expectations. But ab ovo.

The core of the whole music is here black metal. If the band wants they can create good aggressive riffs, like they purpose was destruction of everything (parts of the opening "Wziemiozstąpienie" or "Niech moje słowa będą ogniem"). But black metal represented by Jarun is for most of the time more atmospheric, with big usage of acoustic themes and calm, muted parts. Evey track is full of such parts, so that it is hard to count which one would be a good example of such kind of playing (maybe "Deszcz", with the sounds of raining in the background?). Generally speaking the music is very dynamic, it changes quite often from one mood to another so that it's hard to get bored with that. That's the merit of a bit progressive approach. In such moments prevails calmer parts, giving a good oportunity for bass player to show that his instrument can be used in very interesting way. Such kind of playing reminds me some of "atmospherical" bands, especially polish Furia. 

The last element which gives Jarun very unique, original character are folk references. I would say that if at the beginning this "folkish" attitude is a bit hidden behind progressive and purely pagan metal kind of playing, than since the track "Przebudzenie" it prevails. To be honest it sounds amazing when progressive parts (raised from classic rock!) mix with folk tunes and black metal vocals ("Powrót"). Of course this effect is achieved only with usage of riffing - there are no traditional instruments in Jarun's music.

I am bought. Really - the creativeness of this black-metallers is so fresh and non-trivial that it is a must-have for every fan of a bit progressive, atmospheric music as well as fans of pagan metal. And good music in general ;] And about rating - it is so high inter alia because it's only a debut! Personally I hope that their another material will be at least as great as "Wziemiozstąpienie", if not better.

Rate: 10/10

Vadyka

Music "video" to "Zamieć":

Tracklist:

1. Wziemiozstąpienie

2. Deszcz

3. Prawdy ulotne

4. Przebudzenie

5. Niech moje słowa będą ogniem

6. Powrót

7. Zamieć

8. I znowu zima...

Percival - "Slava!" (2012)

Percival 

"Slava!"

[Self-realeased]

2012

Percival is a side-project of folk metallers from Percival Schuttenbach. This polish band released in 2012 an album entitled "Slava!", which will be a part  of slavic trilogy. This album is focused only on the traditional songs of South Slavs (click to learn more).
Hmm, and what can I say? The previous album album was good. Maybe it wasn't a revelation, but it was a good piece of music inspired by the early Middle-Ages' tunes. But sorry to say, "Slava!" is worse. Moreover - in some moments it's indistinct. Let's take, for example, the second song "Delberino". The song is not very dynamic, instruments are not outstanding in this track and the vocalists sing like if they do not wanted to do it. Tragedy. There are though here some tracks that are interesting like e.g. "Gusta" or "Karanfile" with a bit mysterious atmoshphere. But most of the tracks are mediocre. Yes - not bad, but also not good. Just mediocre. I know some of these tracks in other arrangement by artists from Balcans - and they have much more power and energy than Percival's versions. I don't know why - maybe because of the southern temperament, maybe because people from Balcans know better their own culture. But anyway they are better in performing this kind of music.
The other case are instruments. In my opinion - if you want to play a music from certain region, you should use instruments from this region. However Percival is just using their own instruments, inspired by Middle-Ages stuff. Sorry to say, but I don't like it. It was OK on the previous album, but here it doesn't fit the music at all.
Generally speaking if you are doing something, and you want to listen to some uncomplicated music this album will be a nice soundscape. But if you want to listen to some real, energetic folk music let better seek for something else. There are much better balcan folk albums than this. What a shame that this one sounds so poor, but I hope that the next Percival's album will be better. There are no many talented folk musicians here in Poland, and these guys are one of them. I wish they won't waste their talent.

Rate: 5+/10
Vladyka

Music video for "Gusta":

Tracklist:

1. Gusta (Serbia)
2. Delberino (Bulgaria)
3. Karanfilče (Serbia)
4. Vrsuta (Montenegro)
5. Lazare (Bulgaria)
6. Korita Ivanova (Montenegro)
7. Ne orji, ne sejaj (Slovenia)
8. Naranča (Croatia)
9. Žali Zare (Serbia)
10. Ljubav se ne trži (Croatia)
11. Šta to radiš (Serbia)
12. Karanfile (Bosnia)
13. Dve nevesti (Macedonia)

Maras - "Mienje Na Svetcite" (2012)

Maras

"Mienje Na Svetcite"

[Self-released]

2012

OK, this review will be short, because "Mienje Na Svetcite" is just a single with only one track. It was recorded by macedonian band Maras - you must admit that it sounds kinda exotic, huh?

The music bases here on slow, guts crushing doom riffs with black metal feeling and very condensed, stifling production. One of the better elements here is surely a vocalist - the guy is spitting out deep, stertorous growls like some possessed demon (yeah, I know, veeeery original comparison). The music sounds quite powerful, and later it turns into a bit cacophonous-tribal areas. That's because of traditional balcan instrument - zurla - which creates very strange, disturbing atmosphere. If you can't imagine it you should know that it sounds similar to what you could hear on Rotting Christ's last albums (I mean this kind of trombone). The whole composition creates quite an interesting atmosphere. It works very well in a small dose of single, yet I am a bit affraid that in the long run of LP it could be tiring.

And that's it. You can check for yourself if this track is worth your attention or not. Personally I liked "Mienje..." well enough to wait for the upcoming full-lenght album (coming soon at the beginning of 2014).

Rate: 7/10

Vladyka

Click here to download the official single for free from Bandcamp.

Official single on Youtube:  

Din Brad - "Dor" (2012)

Din Brad

"Dor"

Prophecy Prods.

2012

Din Brad is a neofolk side-project of Negru - a drummer of Negura Bunget. It's music bases on the romanian traditional folk tunes, and "Dor" is his (their?) first release.

I have a problem with this album, but it's hard to say why. First of all, I don't like when keyboards are overused in any music - and "Dor" is full of electronic tunes in the background. There are moments when it sounds really amazing ("Doina", for example) but there is also time when they are making music a bit worse. Yes, only a bit - thankfuly it doesn't ruin music. 

Another flaw of this album are a capella tracks - so without any music, only pure work of the vocalist. When I heard first of them ("Poarce'n Suflet Greu Pacatu") I was astonished - as it was great. Generally speaking vocals (one male and one female) on this album are done in the traditional, carpathian style. People who lives in those mountains are very specific, and such is also their music - you cannot mistake it with anything else. So I was surprised, especially when I understood that it sounda similar to the singing of polish highlanders. But then I discovered that there is too much of it - it's simply tiring, and the album looses it's power and cohesion. In my opinion that was a very weak idea - one, or maybe two a capella songs would be great, but five? Come on!

OK, I complaint a bit, now it's time to compliment :) All this flaws bleak (even if not completely...) when you listen to this album gently and alone. As I said, the carpathian way of singing is specific and Din Brad successfuly forged it into a hypnotic, mysterious soundscape. Such tracks like "Durere", mentioned "Doina" or "Cine Iubeste Ci Lasa" (which bases on traditional romanian song, just in new, darker arrangement) are so charged with emotions that you cannot pass them without paying any attention to them! The album is really amazing, so really too bad that those a capella tracks weakens the atmosphere of this release.

Well, to sum it up: the album is worth your attention (if you like neofolk music, of course). It draws you to the mystical trip through the carpathian's valleys - a place of mystery and darkness (how poetic I am, haha)... Before I end this review, I would also like to add that I've seen this band onstage on the concert here in Poland. The music sounded even better than on CD. So if you will have this oportunity - I recommend you to see their show for your own. It's a beautiful, nostalgic trip, really...

Rate: 8/10

Vladyka

Here you can listen to the official track from Youtube:

Tracklist:

1. Amar

2. Imbratisat De Dor

3. Poarce'n Suflet Greu Pacatu

4. Doina

5. Cintecul Cununei

6. Dor

7. Of, Of, Viata

8. Durere

9. Foaie Verde, Odolean

10. Cine Iubeste Ci Lasa 

11. Bradule, Bradutule

(I can't use romanian letters, unfortunetely)

Lord Wind - "Ales Stenar" (2012)

Lord Wind

"Ales Stenar"

Wolftyr Prods.

2012

Lord Wind is a medievel/neofolk project of Rob Darken, mostly known from his other project Graveland. A year before he released his 5th folk album, called as you can see "Ales Stenar". And what it contains?
First of all, the music is completely instrumental. Quite often we can hear choir samples made on keyboard, but this is the only exception. For most of the time the music bases on calm tunes played in middle-tempo on traditional instruments. Darken is obviously inspired by celtic and nordic music, along with some epic movie soundtracks - and a proof we can find in the track number eight. It is a (let say) cover of theme song taken from "Conan" movie (and I don't know which one, since I am not as big fan of the Cimmerian as Rob ;]). All the songs are played in the same way - they have similar tempos, and are played on similar instruments. We can here viola here, mentioned choirs and sometimes some keyboard-based background effects, horns, percussion, wooden fluets and propably some other things. And well, I must say that I enjoy this album very much. It's nothing extremely deep, but to be honest it is a true pleasure when the music flows in headphones during some long trip in a forest or on countryside. It's a bit hypnotic from one side, but also in some way epic. Just listen to any of this songs, close your eyes and you will see beautiful landscapes of vast, grass plains or huge, frozen mountains. If you have at least minimum of imagination of course haha! Personally I am impressed, because otherwise than some people think it's hard to play simple music in such way that it sounds interesting. Rob defenitely achieved this goal - the music passes so quickly that I have to constantly push the replay button again and again.

Oh, and by the way - the production of this album is really perfect. I enjoy it very much - if you have listened to last Graveland's albums you should know what I am talking about.
Well, I think that's it. There is nothing more to talk about - you like that kind of playing or not. If you're a fan of medieval and neofolk music you will surely like "Ales Stenar". If not, you should try either - maybe it turns out that this album suits your taste. As for me, I am sure that this longplay will be an often guest in my music player.

Rate: 9/10
Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. Ales Stenar

2. Taken by Your Eyes

3. Music of the Gods

4. Nothing Is Dark During Sunrise

5. Freya come to us!

6. Invisible Door to Oblivion

7. El Cid

8. Temple od Snakes

9. Cult of Seth

10. Epic Dawn Begins

Graveland / Biały Viteź - "Ogień Wilczych Serc" (2012)

Graveland / Biały Viteź

"Ogień Wilczych Serc"

Eastside

2012

This is the split release of the two polish bands - a well known in pagan metal scene Graveland and lesser known Biały Viteź (the guys have only one demo and other split on their account). The cover artwork is really good, so you are propably asking yourself "is their music really good too?". Well you can think no more, and simply satisfy your curiosity by reading this review.

The three first tracks are recorded by Graveland, so I'll start with this band. Generally speaking, there is not much to say. One of those three tracks is "Biała Husaria" - a song previously known under an english name "White Winged Hussary". And well, it's very good, and sounds really fantastic. But I really don't know why Rob decided to rerecord this song. The two new hymns are a bit faster. Rob again entered into a more aggressive areas, with blast beats and more furious riffing. Thanks to a great, organic production they sound like they were supposed to sound - very epic, and at the same time very atmospheric and powerfull. Fans of Graveland should be pleased by this release, even if it's really nothing new.
The second part of this split belongs to folk metallers from Biały Viteź. They creativeness is much closer to what was invented by the eastern pagan metal bands. As in Graveland's case the sound is really powerfull, but at the same time a bit more dirty and underground. Guitar riffs are evidently inspired by the polish black metal hords from the '90s, while atmospheric parts of keyboards sounds a bit like Drudkh. But don't worry, the guys from BV are not a copycats, and their create something fresh. The metal parts together with usage of folk instruments and "mystical" keyboard sound really interesting, for 100% in slavic vain, which is a great advantage in immersion of celtic and nordic bands. By the way folk parts really remind me Jar -  it only shows that BV is really into polish pagan scene, and not just another bunch of jolly dumbasses.
The vocals on this album are sung in very characteristic way - some will like that, some will not, but in my case I count it as an advantege. To be honest, the only weak element of this material is the last track - it sounds like a too long outro. I know that there must be a place for atmospheric parts, but for me some sad accords and a guy singing in the same vain for almost 4 minutes is not an "atmosphere". I call it "boredom". Happily the rest of their music sounds fantastic, and I guess that "Kędy mój los" will be a concert killer - there is a place for aggressive mosh, and for the epic singing. Ideallly, hehe.
To sum up: for fans of pagan metal this split will be something like a pearl in the sea of crap. It's really worth to have this album - especially because of great part recorded by Biały Viteź.

Rate: Graveland: 7/10, Biały Viteź: 8+/10
Vladyka

Tracklist:
Graveland:
1. Zimno z za szarego horyzontu
2. Pancerna Pięść
3. Biała Husaria
---
Biały Viteź:
4. Intro - ku chwale
5.  Na swój miecz
6. Gdzie umiera dzień
7. Kędy mój los
8. Kiedy skonam

Waylander - "Kindred Spirits" (2012)

Waylander

"Kindred Spirits"

Listenable Recs.

2012

Contrary to what some people believe, playing good folk metal is not an easy thing. There is a thin line between folkish, vivavious yet still serious stuff and some jolly-polka merry singing. Luckily for me (and You, dear reader) last Waylander's album is that first, good kind of folk metal. 

"Kindred Spirits" is the continuation of what those northern Irish guys created on their previous album "Honour Amongst Chaos". The folkish tunes are generated by the traditional instruments, like whistles, mandolin etc. It sounds really good - the musicans are not some kind of amateurs, and they know how to create an addictive, celtic atmosphere. The only flaw that sometimes irritates me is the sound of the mentioned whistle - in some parts it's really needless (like in some moments of "Twin Fires of Beltine"). Luckily a band rarely do it. Also the parts when a band plays only on folk instruments automatically reminds me of some movies (like "Braveheart"), it's really a pure pleasure to listen to them.

The metal section bases mainly on traditional heavy/speed metal, but quite often it turns into a bit darker forms (like more aggresive "Erdath", or slow, dark parts of mentioned "Twin Fires..."). Generally speaking this album is heavier than it's predecessor, both in quick and slow parts. There is a lot of going here - the music often changes tempo, and folkish section very well highlights the atmosphere.

Over this instrumental core screams and growls the vocalist (in a bit black metal vain), who's often supported by his band mates. They are doing a good job, some parts can be really memorable, like e.g. choirs in "Of Fear And Fury".

The sound of this album is very good - selective, and properly heavy. The folkish section is produced in a bit soft way. Generally it's a good thing, also sometimes it makes a whistle a bit annoying - like I said before.

To sum up: Waylander recorded a very fine piece of music. In some parts it reminds me Skyforger's album "Kurbads", propably due to this heavy metal inlfuences. So if you like that kind of playing, you can search for this album. Maybe this is not the most original thing, but it'll surely brings you some good moments. 

Rate:8/10

Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. Echeos of the Sidhe

2. Lamh Dearg

3. Twin Fires of Beltine

4. Of Fear And Fury

5. Grave of Giants

6. A Path Well Troden

7. Quest for Immortality

8. Erdath

9. Kindred Spirits

Katatonia - "Dead End Kings" (2012)

Katatonia

"Dead End Kings"

Peaceville Recs.

2012

I was waiting for this album with big misgiving, since previous album "Night Is The New Day" simply disappointed me. There were some good songs, but generally speaking it was boring and emotionless. "Dead End Kings" is a bit better, but still it's more or less the same case.

Well, let's start with something positive. First of all, the layout is really amazing! It's done in "modern" style, yet I love such weird, surreal kind of art. To be honest I bought this album without even listenning one song, just because I saw this amazing cover in a music store. 

Also a modern, clean production is something I liked. Of course it's a matter of taste, but I'm quite OK with that. You see, I hate such sound while it come to more traditional metal. But here everything highlights a bit surreal atmosphere, which is cool. The only thing that I haven't like is a sound of vocals - sometimes there are superimposed two tracks of singing, one on another, and it sounds just awful. 

 Most of the songs are being played in the style that Katatonia elaborated somewhere upon "Viva Empitness". Thanks to a new production many times they sound a bit psychedelic (like in "Hypnone"). Jonas still sings in this characteristic manner of a guy who really doesn't care about anything. It works (as always) if a song is, let's face it, emotional. If not, it's simply getting boring. 

And here's the main flaw of this release: some tracks are so emotionless that together with this clean production and monotonous vocals are making me sleepy. Maybe that was intented, but to be honest if I want to sleep I simply do it, without any boosters. For example the second track is so sweet and tiring that I am really wondering why they decided to record it. Silje Wergeland, who has sang in it, really doesn't help. In fact her vocal is just annoying. Or look on another boring track - "First Prayer". It extends and extends, but nothing really happens. The song is passing by, while I am falling into the arms of Morpheus (no, not this from Matrix).

Luckily there are some highlights. E.g. "Leathen" is a great track, full of sorrow and desperation, also an opening "The Parting" is a very strong position. Agh, if the whole album was as good as those tracks...

I could grumble like that for a long, long time but it really doesn't has any sense. Let's say that 60% of music on this album is really good. The rest is an ordinary boring stuff. If you're a fan of Katatonia, you should check it by yourself. Maybe you won't be disappointed - unlike me.

Rate: 6/10

Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. The Parting

2. The One You Are Looking For is Not Here

3. Hypnone

4. The Racing Heart

5. Buildiungs

6. Leech

7. Ambiotions

8. Undo You

9. Leathen

10. First Prayer

11. Dead Letters

Burzum - "Umskiptar" (2012)

Burzum

"Umskiptar"

Byelobog Prods.

2012

Everyone who listens to metal at least 3 days knows Burzum, so let me skip the introduction.

“Belus” was a true masterpiece for me, an album that I can listen all day without getting bored. “Fallen” was good, but in my opinion too soft; I have nothing against “soft” music, but it has to be addictive, and “Fallen” is just a nice piece of music, but nothing more. And now, there is time to rate last metal album of Burzum – “Umskiptar”.

Well, it’s definitely better than previous LP. The first novelty is the intro, with usage of horns. But beside that, the folk-like themes appears only in singing and guitar riffs. You can clearly hear it in “Galgvidr” with very melancholic vocals.

But most of tracks bases on typical “burzumish” riffing. Varg has his own style of making riffs, and as always they sound simply great. This time songs are much more monotonous and slower. Thanks to production, they sound a bit psychedelic. It creates a very moody aura, intensified even more thanks to bass – it sounds very soft, and is on the prominence position. Sometimes it can create a really stirring atmosphere – just listen to a song titled “Heidr”.

This track contains also many declamations (which shouldn’t be a big surprise, as lyrics are just a part of old Icelandic poem “Voluspa”). They are in almost every track, and are building a very specific climate, when e.g. they are mixed with heavy, slow riffs (like in “Alfadanz”). Other vocals are in vain of the “new” Burzum – they sounds like a howling of some old, far spirit and in my opinion Varg has done fantastic job with them. Happily there is no so many clean singing as on “Fallen”. Even if it appears, it’s just a good add to nostalgic aura (as in “Gullaldr”).

Also from time to time we can hear a reminiscences of Vikernes’ older work – e.g. riff in " Surtr Sunnan" recalls a bit „The Crying Orc”.
The album sounds very good, but to be honest sometimes it can be too monotonous, and simply boring. It's happening due to the fact that it is not so diverse as "Belus" was, or simply older Burzum's albums. "Umskiptar is in my opinion also a bit too long. Listenning to this longplay will be surely a good experience, but I wouldn't say that I will listen to it day after day...

Rate: 7+/10
Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. Blodstokkin

2. Joln

3. Alfadanz

4. Hit Helga Tre

5. Aera

6. Heidr

7. Valgaldr

8. Galgvidr

9. Surtr Sunnan

10. Gullaldr

11. Nidhoggr

Sear Bliss - "Eternal Recurrence" (2012)

Sear Bliss

"Eternal Recurrence"

Candlelight Recs.

2012

This is the 7th album of hungarian atmospheric black metal band Sear Bliss, known for the usage of trombone and other wind instruments. Their previous album "The Arcane Odyssey" was a great piece of music, so I was excpecting that the new one will be at least as good as his predecessor. And well, it is.

It is, but it's also different. A jazzy trombone in the first track on the album, "The Eternal Quest", was a big surprise for me. It was also an omen that the band is going to explore some new musical spaces. The music on "Eternal Recurrence" got more progressive than other albums. There is less of typically black metal patents (but they are still present in the Sear Bliss world - like a fast, aggresive part of "A Lost Cause"). This jazzy-style is used here and there in every track, like in middle part of "Ballad of the Shipwrecked". But despite this progression, the tracks are not so lengthy as many prog metal albums. They are around 5-6 minutes long. And well, I think it's good - at least a band doesn't goes into needless experiments, like many other bands do. We have just pure essence here.

 Also in "Ballad..." we can hear melancholic choirs. Thanks to them, the music is much more spacious. My first association was Enslaved ( I mean of course their newer stuff). They sound a bit different (hungarian has their own style of playing, they don't need to rip off others'), but from the other side they "work" more or less the same.

The atmosphere on SB last album is less "cosmic", but instead is much more darker. Guitarists play progressive, yet very heavy riffs. Listen for example opening one in "A Lost Cause" - it's genius! Together with a weird, "haunted" tunes played on a keyboard and trombone, the band creates in many places a very distressing, original climate. The anxiety is even more enhanced by silent whispering and the noises, hidden in the background in some places (like at the end of "Great Cosmic Disorder"). The last track is full of such groans, loud at this time - it makes a very big impression.

Few words about production: I really have no question. It's quite similar to this from "The Arcane...", and fits the new, more progressive face of the band very well - it's clear and gives more heaviness to music.

After every replay grows a number of hidden things, that come to the ear. This album is simply great, and it doesn't get boring even after a long time. Sear Bliss created a perfect, dark and melancholic music. If your fan of them, or of such tunes - you will love it.  

Rate: 9+/10

Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. "The Eternal Quest"

2. "Ballad of the Shipwrecked"

3. "Great Cosmic Disorder"

4. "A Lost Cause"

5. "The New Era of Darkness"

6. "There's No Light Without Darkness"

7. "Entering the Seventh Gate"