Nauthisuruz - Sanity Funeral (2007)

Ok. So the logo is pretty naff. And the psychedelic-blood-vomit-swirl Stonehenge album cover is a bit dated. It's also self-produced "symphonic black/doom/avant garde metal with elements of neo-classics and electronics" from Russia. But don't let any of that put you off. Nauthisuruz may very well be Russia's answer to Summoning.

To call this album "epic" or "synth-laden" would be an understatement akin to suggesting that Paul Gilbert plays "a bit" of guitar. Though essentially guitar driven atmospheric black metal, half the album is comprised of ambient noodlings between each of the "proper" tracks. The blend between them is fairly seamless for the most part and the synth allows a majestic flow between each composition (see 'Purification of Energy' and 'Occult Reality'). The album as whole therefore is a complete piece that's much more than the some of its parts. It's a musical journey that ebbs and flows between soothing synth and distortion driven aggression. Close your eyes and you may find yourself fleeing the Nothing aback Falkor, before plumetting toward an abyss and into a climactic battle against Gmork.

The distant, ethereal vocals are textbook Summoning, but a broader range is showcased on the more aggressive numbers such as 'Chaos Is Eternal' or 'Deep Rage'. The wispy distant production is carried through to the guitars but without losing a meaty punch during the faster sections. An occasionally soaring lead punctures the mix, wistfully carried by the complementary strings. The synth work itself is blended naturally and at no point becomes overbearing, nor are the programmed drums an annoyance. It's a little rough around the edges in places admittedly but the album is carried with a feeling of majesty.

If only more bands listened to Summoning instead of trying to re-arrange tired At The Gates riffs. This isn't so much worship as homage with enough distinctions to stand out on its own. It's not quite perfect, there's a few clumsy sections and some of the ambient tracks don't add a whole lot to the proceedings. Either way, Nauthisuruz are very much deserving of one those "awesome favourite new band that no-one will ever hear about" titles. Given that all three of their albums are available, for free, from their website there really isn't any excuse. Sombre, beautiful, aggressive and majestic all at once.

9/10

http://www.nauthisuruz.victory-np.ru/

Reusmarkt - Echo (2006)

Echo: a very atmospheric symphonic black metal album from Ukraine's own Reusmarkt, a little-known four piece who cut a mean record. I'm not fucking around when I say Reusmarkt did with Echo EXACTLY what I want out of a black metal album. This is just beautiful, nearly perfect stuff. Actually, fuck it, this is perfect. Beautiful, sad, epic black metal (think Summoning or Shambless) interwoven with the sounds of nature, mostly birds chirping, hawks calling, thunder clapping, rainfall, just a plethora of different sounds all on top of some awesome symphonic BM. Vocals are superb, and I wish I could comment on the song titles or lyrics, but, either they're all untitled or they're in Russian and my media player doesn't get it.

My favorite track is #8, which fades in from the previous track into some beautiful, light acoustic work then proceeds to shred your face. There's even some death/doom type vocals at the end of the song, bringing on a unique feel. Track #9 is really cool as well, adding some soft ambient stuff, almost John Carpenter-like with the creepy synths over the sound of wind chimes and falling rain. God, so awesome. The vocals in the record seem to be pretty deep in the mix, which helps add to the dreaminess of it all. This really makes me want to go out into the woods while it's raining and worship thy Pagan gods! Hah. This album is pure goodness, and I can't possibly recommend it enough. Even if you're not into BM, check it out, it's a thing of beauty.

9.5/10