Orathania are not just another band playing for the thrill of it. They are a musical project formed by Ukrainian musicians who, in the midst of the war they are living through, seek to reconnect with the musical roots of their homeland and carry forward its traditions, bringing with them a light of creativity and peace. “Echo of Freedom” is not just another metal album you simply bang your head to. It is an exploration of Ukrainian cultural heritage by a group of metal musicians who fuse heavy music with ancient folk melodies, clearly stating that Ukrainian culture is far from over—it has a powerful present and a bright future. Borgvarr reunites with Varggoth and Karpath from the original lineup of the symphonic/folk black metallers Nokturnal Mortum, offering hope not only to their fellow countrymen but to the entire world that peace will eventually be restored—a message they feel compelled to deliver as artists. Within Orathania, we witness folk metal, extreme metal, and gothic/atmospheric metal elements intertwining with traditional music, becoming one unified language that speaks to all of us. This is extreme music with a positive, humanistic essence, and for that reason, it deserves to be embraced wholeheartedly. Yes, the melodies and riffs are compelling, but what truly matters is the sacred, luminous purpose behind them. Echo of Freedom is a beautiful journey—one that we should all experience and share. Kudos to the band. Hopefully, soon we’ll be talking about how to preserve and protect peace.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
