Evoking Winds originally hail from Belarus, and now have members who are based across the globe. The album “Towards Homestead” delivers pagan folk melodies interlaced with blackened metal components that are hypnotically epic. The album is a re-release of the original from 2008, but for me, this is my first time hearing it and I like what I hear.
“Oh Black Raven, Leave me be” is a traditional Russian song that was sung by warriors going into battle to defend their lands. Its melody is emotive and coupled with the atmosphere of black metal guitar riffs and vocals, it conjures images of battles fought, won and lost.
Whilst most atmospheric black metal bands have a similar style, there is an added intrigue to this album as the vocals modulate between black and death, which offers a depth that adds to its substance.
Throughout the album, you are treated to sorrowful melodies, gloomy black metal guitars, uplifting upbeat folky riffs, deep guttural death vocals, blast beats and of course, the distinctive black metal vocal style.
The songs are steeped in folklore and tell tales of the historic struggles and triumphs of the people of Belarus. The mythology combined with all the different metal ingredients is a voyage, it compels you to take in all the diverse emotions as each track undulates in intensity.
Definitely, an album to close your eyes to and absorb all it has to offer.
For fans of atmospheric black/folk metal, such as Gallowbraid, Saor and Caladan Brood.
Evoking Winds: Bandcamp
Release Year: 2021
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: Belarus
Reviewed by ForsakenMisery
