Ukrainian one-man project U Kronakh, helmed by Artem “Voidger” delivers its new, third album, titled “Archaic Dance of The Winds”. Here you will find another one successful fusion of death metal with raw, atmospheric black metal. This time, also, U Kronakh is more melodic than ever, although the overall sound remains harrowing and overwhelming. Because, apart from the harsh riffs and the menacing rhythms, here you will find emotional depth and a poetic approach in both music and lyrics. The inclusion of Vitalii “Wormwood”, known in the Ukrainian black metal scene, on vocals marks a turning point, since he breathes life and pulse in the final result. In “Archaic Dance of The Winds” U Kronakh creates a dark, primordial and ritualistic soundscape, a stunning atmosphere, which – combined with the lyrics about the cold mysticism of the Carpathian mountains – will drag you to strange, but charming world. Black metal passages meet melodic death metal motifs, the guitars weave a dense, textural web and the vocals make your descent in the shadowy realm of U Kronakh much easier. The production remains organic, drenched in reverb and mist, but without losing its clarity. Artem “Voidger” has proudly built an ancient temple on the top of the Carpathians. If you want to be swept away by the winds and take part in this furious dance, go ahead, without thinking it too much! U Kronakh is a name you shall note down and “Archaic Dance of The Winds” a fantastic new album release you certainly must listen to.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
