Shakhtyor - 'Tunguska' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 24/04/2015

Label: Cyclone Empire

‘Tunguska’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Baryon 09:43
2. Pechblende 03:42
3. Zerfall 10:28
4. Schlagwetter 07:01
5. Tunguska 07:24
6. Solaris  09:50

Shakhytor is:

Christian Müller | Bass
Nils Langbehn | Drums
Christian Herzog | Guitars, F/X

Review:

Shakhtyor return with more rumbling post/alt. Metal instrumentals. The German group follow up their self titled opus with six tracks of morbid complexity and darkness. Opener “Baryon” sets the tone with creepy dynamics and truly devastating bass sound.

“Pechblende” offers up a sound effect laden intro and then more angular instrumental sounds over its (relatively) short playing time. All of the tracks here are over seven minutes in length except for this one.

“Zerfall” is ominous and brooding and builds a real atmosphere before punishing sections of grinding riffage. “Schlagwetter” mines similar inspiration and again uses dynamics amidst the carnage to de-construct and rebuild. The title track is a noisy beast while the nigh on ten minutes of “Solaris” finishes this impressive album strongly and allows the musicians to spread their wings further for the playing time.

If you like this type of thing (fans of Today is The Day is a possible reference point) then you will love this album... if you are not a fan instrumental post metal then it won't change your mind, even though it should. In short, this is a fine album of heavy and atmospheric instrumental post metal. I welcome it.

Words by: Richard Maw

‘Tunguska’ is available here

For more information:

Listen: www.shakhtyor.bandcamp.com 
Like: www.facebook.com/shakhtyorband