Aava tuulen maa

Many people are saying that this Russian folk/doom band has turned post-rock on this album. I’m not sure that’s necessarily the case, I’d call it more of a mellow folk rock or folk-influenced progressive rock, but no matter what you call it, this is some of the most wonderful music I’ve heard in a while.

To be more clear – Kauan has moved on (at least for now) from their metal roots, abandoning any harsh vocals and even a lot of the distorted guitars. What’s left is a 5-song nature-esque sonicscape filled with lush acoustic guitars, clean singing, pianos, violins, and maybe a small glimmer of their metal roots. With 4 of the 5 songs being over 10 minutes, the songs basically flow through different movements and ideas, never really repeating anything. I’d also say the album is roughly 75% instrumental, with vocals sprinkled in sparsely between the tranquil instrumental passages.

I think the song that is particularly beautiful is “Valveuni,” its delicate, crowning piano melodies complementing the more layered acoustic sections magnificently.

This album is reminiscent of perhaps Agalloch’s softer moments, or “The White” EP, or Green Carnation’s “The Acoustic Verses.” Any fans of those, or other folk metal, or any metal, folk, metallers-gone-folk, or even prog-rock I suppose, should check this out.