Wednesday 29 January 2014

Drudkh / Winterfylleth - Thousands of Moons Ago / The Gates (Split Review)


Album Type :  Split
Date Released : 17/1/2014
Label : Season of Mist

Thousands of Moons Ago/The Gates, split track listing

1. DRUDKH - …W Krainie Drzew (HEFEYSTOS cover)
2. DRUDKH - Ten, Ktery Se Vyhyba Svetlu (UNCLEAN cover)
3. DRUDKH - Recidivus (SACRILEGIUM cover)
4. WINTERFYLLETH - The Gates (HATE FOREST cover)

Bio :

When two giants of the Pagan Black Metal underground collide, expectations run high. The chosen battleground for DRUDKH and WINTERFYLLETH is the classic format of a vinyl 12" split-EP, which is limited to only 666 copies true to its subject matter. The self-appointed task of both bands was to pay tribute to their musical influences and inspirations. For the Ukrainians this means basically a homage to the black Eastern European underground. DRUDKH deliver a set of magic cover versions taken from HEFEYSTOS, UNCLEAN, and SACRILEGIUM to which they add their own indistinguishable style. The Anglo-Saxon warriors WINTERFYLLETH in turn honour DRUDKH mastermind Roman Sayenko by a stunning translation of the epic and gloomy song "The Gates" from his other band HATE FOREST into their own English sound. It is quite obvious that this project was a heartfelt affair for the participants. Thus both contestants emerge victorious out of this musical clash and more than fulfill those great expectations from the outset. Act fast or miss out as this glorious EP is bound to be much sought after item and not available for long

The Band :

DRUDKH
Roman |  guitar
Thurios | vocals, guitar
Krechet | bass
Vlad | drums, keyboards

WINTERFYLLETH

C. Naughton | vocals, guitar
S. Lucaa |  drums
N. Wallwork | bass, backing vocals
M. Wood | lead guitar

Review :

Drudkh, Ukrainian black metallers of some pedigree have joined forces with the North West's own Winterfylleth to release this split EP of class, atmosphere and melancholy. I'll be the first to admit that I only dabble in the genre of black metal, but I like both of these bands (along with the classic stuff- early Burzum, Mayhem, Darkthrone and Dissection). Politics be damned, on to the music...

My knowledge of Drudkh is limited only to the “Blood in Our Wells” record which I find to be perfect winter commuting music- bleak and atmospheric in equal measure. The musical ideas are overflowing on Drudkh's three tracks here. There are acoustic guitars, screamed vocals, percussion overdubs and tempo changes and even thrash pacing over the course of their three tracks. If you are looking for atmosphere and despair, Drudkh offer it up in spades.

The three tracks are cover versions of other Eastern Eurpean bands- Hefeystos, Unclean and Sacrilegium- but Drudkh make these their own and imbue their calling card sense of gloom into all three. Conversely, Winterfylleth have chosen to interpret The Gates from Drudkh's Roman Sayenko- not from Drudkh, though, but from his other project Hate Forest. Over the course of nine minutes, Winterfylleth bring the gloomy atmosphere and suitably low-fi production. Sweeping sounds and atmosphere combine for an effective listen.

If you are a fan of either band (most likely, if you like one then you will like the other) then picking up this 12” split EP is a must. You get close to half an hour of black metal of the highest quality.

Words by : Richard Maw

You can buy it here

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