Expectations are soaring as Pagan Black Metal legend Drudkh unleash 'Handful of Stars'. Their eighth album once again lives up to the Ukrainians’ expressed values of individualism and self-improvement. Although the band preserve their unique sound, they move into a more atmospheric and progressive direction. This ties in well with the meandering paths Drudkh took on each new release.
Their debut 'Forgotten Legends' (2003) was inspired by Nordic Black Metal with a deep melancholy permeating the heart and soul of their music, which came to be termed Slavonic Heathen Metal. Their second album 'Autumn Aurora' (2004) added cinematic soundscapes, while 'The Swan Road' (2005) referred to traditional Ukrainian music.
'Blood in our Wells' (2006) witnessed an increase of progressive elements. Drudkh surprised their dedicated following with the instrumental and partly acoustic 'Songs of Grief and Solitude' (2006), before they returned to a basic Black Metal expression with 'Estrangement' (2007).
'Eternal Turn of the Wheel' offers a more melodic approach than the harsh 'Estrangement' (2007) and ties in well with the widely acclaimed 'Microcosmos' (2009) album. Drudkh offer Slavonic Heathen Metal at its best and the perfect soundtrack of winter!
CD version.
Tracklisting:
1. Eternal Circle
2. Breath of Cold Black Soil
3. When Gods Leave Their Emerald Halls
4. Farewell to Autumn's Sorrowful Birds
5. Night Woven of Snow, Winds and Grey-haired Stars
