From the Whispering winds of Ukraine is Drudkh, an atmospheric pagan black metal entity that invites you to a realm where the boundaries between the corporeal and the ethereal blur. Shadow play is their twelfth all-encompassing release that is evocative and emotive.
Capturing the essence of life’s fragility, its origins and ultimately its ending. ‘’April “and its duality captures this beautifully, Shadow Play is an album that captures the essence of second-wave black metal and pagan influences with its sharp edges and bleakness yet where power of the riff and its repetition creates a hypnic atmosphere that is undeniable as the connection to the seasons and to life . ‘’Fallen Blossom” continues the build towards the inevitable crescendo and poignancy. There is an underlying tension within the album that lurks and surfaces in the rhythms, the at times murky production requires repeated listens and perhaps that is the intent, Drudkh don’t make albums for casual listening, they are immersive thought-provoking pieces of extreme black metal art that take commitment and concentration. Epic closer ‘’The Thirst “concludes the cycle, its poetry given voice by the throat of Thurios.
Shadow Play adds to the mystery and allure that is Drudkh, confrontational where the individual must confront the shadows and accept the fleeting beauty of time passing. Explorative and expansive, the hidden melodies within the mid-tempo black metal are but brief glimmers of light cast amongst the darkness and bleak atmosphere. Illuminating, introspective and part revelatory Shadow Play is its own unique experience.
Drudkh: Facebook
Release Year: 2025
Label: Season of Mist: Underground Activists
Category: Album
Country: Ukraine
Reviewed by Sparky
