From their beginnings in 2022 with the evocative ‘’ Зимним хладом’’ and ‘’ Сказки чёрных лесов’’ releases, Meschera has been sowing the seeds of devotion and hatred in reverence of mother earth and Жатва is the literal Reaping of their efforts.
Both harrowing and haunting courtesy of the beautiful yet also brutal vocals of Alexandra Sidorova, Meschera is able to create music that is pure Nordic folk nimbly yet also extreme black metal, traditional sonnets sung in native tongue are matched by some extreme blast beats ‘’ Взор Безлик их’ rages with huge modern rhythms and multi-layered vocals. ‘’ Страж Сосновых Чащоб’’ rages from the dreamlike to the brutal, using both traditional instruments and the modern seamlessly to create an experience unlike any other. ‘’
‘’Вечность Белых Январей’’ is a step back into traditional metal and folk territory where the harsh vocals and the clean trade off against each other. The result is a song that lingers long in the senses, complemented by a great solo and excellent percussion.
The Title Track ‘’ Жатва’’ is a tour de force of beautiful vocals over intense blast beats and incredible dynamics.
When Meschera go for the throat, the result is utter black metal full of hatred and vitriol that is merciless.
Meschera is not a metal band that indulges in traditional folk, it is infused into the very fibre of their creations. Each track is a unique journey filled with darkness and light. Жатва is a journey of free will and its consequences, the earthen beauty of a sunset yet filled with ashes, Revenge filled with black blood and utter conviction. Essential.
Meschera: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: Russia
Reviewed by Sparky
