Рдяндалир

Branikald's debut album might not have been flawless, but it did open up some potential in expanding upon the more melodic and atmospheric sound that was partially featured in that album. And so on their next album "Рдяндалир", the group would do just that, as they went all out on this style and even included some folk elements in it. It's a bold move that I think ended up working pretty well.

Compared to the first track in the last album being melodic and atmospheric, the first track on this album "Микрокосм духа" is atmospheric no doubt, but there's noticeably more emphasis on the depressive tone. The guitars are especially strong at this, as well it still goes for that droning style from the last album, the tuning is lowered and more weaker. Even the drumming is weaker, as the blastbeats aren't as prevalent and more slower, fitting to the depressed riffs. This track already starts the album off on a poor note, and it's only doubled down as the album progresses. The second track "Дух смысла" in particular is my favorite track on this album, as it takes on a more viking-like tone with a more folk-like composition, but still maintaining the down-tuned raw guitars. And that's not even getting into the second half of the album, as the raw guitars are replaced with clean guitars, and give off a more angelic and magical tone, adding in more mystery within the atmosphere. Whether it be from the raw riffs or the acoustic guitar, all four tracks are fantastic in offering a more depressive atmosphere that makes you feel alone.

And the vocals aren't any better. Not in the sense that they're bad, but don't expect Kaldrad to give you any comfort in this harsh atmosphere. In the third track "Безвременной тьмой ночной" for example, Kaldrad's shrieks somehow sound even more painful and depressed than in previous releases, which only further enhances the depressing vibe from the clean guitars. And in the first two tracks, his booming voice empowers the grand, sorrowful atmosphere even further, and even adds in another theme of melancholy in the cold atmosphere. It's weird to think that Kaldrad would outdo what he did in the earlier Branikald albums, but when paired with these types of instrumentals, Kaldrad was able to elevate his voice.

While I wouldn't really call this full-on DSBM, it does get pretty close to it. The mood of this album is more depressed and sorrowful, and Kaldrad's shrieks are agonized and painful to listen to. With this record, however, Branikald found a place within the black metal scene, which is providing a more hateful and depressed sound in the harsh landscape. It's an powerful record that I believe deserves all of your attention.