Windswept – Visionaire (MLP)

Windswept on this EP sound like a continuation of Drudkh’s groundbreaking first four albums between 2003 and 2006. Those four albums have grown out to be nothing but classics of atmospheric black metal and this EP, recorded by three Drudkh members, will do just that. These songs sound so much like classic Drudkh that they could have easily been released under that moniker and they would argueably been ranked among the best of its discography.

Windswept debut album was released on Season Of Mist in 2017 and is a rough, spontaneous album with more aggression. This follow-up EP from 2018 in contrast, contains two lengthy tracks which are mostly midtempo and uptempo material, much more atmospheric and have that characteristic old Drudkh sound. As fans described, the differences are really negligible and that includes the quality: this is classic Drudkh with a different name. And most noteable, this may be among the best sounding albums Saenko and co. have produced, as noted not only by press but more importantly, by fans worldwide.

From start to finish there are only melancholic and hypnose inducing layers of guitar and synth melodies while still focusing on actual riffs and songwriting. The EP is dreamy, captivating and magical. No cheap studio tricks are used to try and impress you, and there are no intros and outros here. There is only skillfully written atmosphere: mid-paced and slightly repetetive in a comparable way bands like Walknut, Austere, Ygg, and of course old-school Drudkh and Burzum sound.

This ode to tradition comes on transparant orange vinyl, with reverse side heavy sleeve and an inlay. Cut on 45 rpm for maximum audio fidelity. Originally released by Ván Records but long out of print – very limited new pressing out now.

8,5 / 10 Bagnik Zine
4.5 / 10 Sputnik Music
4 / 5 Stormbringer