Although this Transylvanian outfit self-released their debut EP as long ago as 2012, this is their debut album, which was recorded under the watchful eyes and ears of Edmond Karban (Negură Bunget, Dordeduh) last year (Edmond also provided some guest vocals). In many ways this is a progressive album, but it is also incredibly atmospheric, bringing in elements that certainly wouldn’t sound out of place on an album by either Negură Bunget or Rakoth. At times it is almost black metal, others quite psychedelic, and yet others quite definitely progressive, so there is a lot going on. But, it never gets too much for the listener, and is yet another album that is compelling with plenty of depth.
Radu, who also provides lead guitars, has a wonderful clear and emotional voice with virtually no accent, and this also makes the album incredibly easy to listen to. The melodic English vocals sometimes work seamlessly with the music, while at others floats effortlessly above so that the music falls away to become a backdrop to something quite special. It may have taken five years for the band to move from an EP to an album, but let’s hope that we don’t have to wait as long for the next release, as this is incredibly enjoyable.
