New Release Friday: Drudkh - Їм часто сниться капіж

'Їм часто сниться капіж' by Drudkh
released March 9, 2018 (Season of Mist)

Ukraine's premier Black Metal band Drudkh are also one of the most time honored and accomplished groups in the genre, with 'Їм часто сниться капіж (They Often See Dreams About the Spring)' being their 11th full length release across a career punctuated with seminal records and critical acclaim that has earned the group one of the most dedicated fan followings in metal music.

Guitarist Roman Sayenko and frontman Thurios are the creative forces behind the songwriting of Drudkh, establishing the unique sound of folk-influenced melodies, sprawling epics and enveloping atmospheres the band would become known for as they helped establish the subgenres of Atmospheric Black Metal and Pagan Black Metal.

Lyrically known for their embracing of deep set sorrow and profound loss, Drudkh is cited to be most inspired by the works of contemporary, nineteenth and twentieth century Ukrainian poets, leading the bands writing to thematically sweep from Ukrainian history, culture and mythology to philosophy, mysticism and nature.

With this new entry to their catalog, Drudkh seem to be returning to some of the more aggressive roots in their songwriting, the sprawling epics of mid tempo tremolo guitars and dynamics sprawling like the night sky unfolding behind a fading sun.

'Їм часто сниться капіж' seems to align musically and thematically with some of the groups recent themes, the omnipresence of darkness and loss that exists in a modern society that has killed our connections with the magics of our mother earth.

The excellent production, particularly seen in the clarity of tight drum work that dictates mood and tone through the pacing of the entire record, as well as in the mixing of Drudkh's numerous layers, creating idyllic backdrops painted through a seamless meshing of synths and the rhythmic tremolo of the guitars frees up space for the shifting melodies and lyrical narratives.

While taking on a more slight air of aggression and bitterness than their most recent work, and the continued dividends that come with a bigger production budget since their move to the Season of Mist label, Їм часто сниться капіж doesn't do anything Drudkh haven't done before with their songwriting or sound, and this is something I'm quite happy about.

Few groups can hold a candle to Drudkh when it comes to this brand of Black Metal, and one key aspect that always pulls me to listen to every release they put out is the continued curiosity of hearing masters of their craft pursue their craft.

That is to say, If you have listened to the group before and didn't find yourself in love with their atmosphere focused, bleak approach to this unique style of admittedly difficult to listen to and potentially "acquired taste" music, I don't believe Drudkh are trying to change your mind with this new album.

If you, like me, find this to be extremely up your alley, then 'Їм часто сниться капіж' might just be the best you'll hear this year.

_{Atmospheric Black Metal
for fans of: Agalloch, Negura Bunget, Primordial
to purchase/listen to this album: Amazon | Bandcamp | Spotify | vinyl}