Contributing to the Pagan (Black) Metal scene, these guys from Belarus re-released on CD format their second demo "Hymns...", which was also originally out on tape on GSP (Graveyard Silence Prods... what a name...). Both the band and the label are turned into NS ideology, so the artwork is very "explicit" and some lyrics are totally "politically-inspired" in the way GRAVELAND or GONTYNA KRY express themselves in interviews for example... And of course, they are deeply involved in the survival of the pagan culture of their native land. And the songs on this demo / CD are simply excellent pagan war hymns played with quite skilled musicians (good vocalists, good drummer and reasonably good guitar player, hey this is uncommon !) and a CLEAR & POWERFUL production, what is really not often the case with this kind of bands. The songs here can be linked to Black Metal because of the drums and voice but the guitar riffs are more melodic, they are really characteristic from a Pagan metal band and not especially a "Pagan BM" band. You will experiment nostalgia and hatred throughout these hymns to their ancestors' land and to Nature, for sure they believe in what they say... This is probably one of the best Pagan Metal stuff I heard, if you can get this CD or the tape, buy !!! But I guess they're not widely distributed so check everywhere !!

9 / 10

© 2003 lord pesten