Pirut

At a time of writing this review- 4 years after the release, Kauan's "Pirut" is still one of my favourite, most memorable metal albums, and I like coming back to its sounds. Kauan for sure is not one of these generic folk metal bands of yours, nor it is a post-rock with overly touchy feelings. Being familiar with Pirut and 2015's "Sorni Nai", one can safely assume that Kauan's musicians love to experiment and blend many genres into one. In fact, it is this blending that caught my attention while listening to "Pirut" for the first time, and it is brilliant to hear how so many different themes are merged together to form a single, 40 minute long piece of music.

The album contains 8 songs, however every track passes on smoothly to the next one, so it should be treated as a whole- like a journey or a story to be told. A harmony, a seamless flow is created at the very beginning and lasts until the very end despite of some sudden transitions. As mentioned earlier, it is hard to classify what genre you are exploring while listening to "Pirut". Heavy parts as well as black metal growling are present, however balanced by gentle post-rock melodies accompanied by clean vocals. Non traditional metal instruments, in this case keyboards and viola are heavily utilized and they are means of creating the atmosphere, rather than serving as an addition. Actually, the whole album focuses on creating an atmosphere and invoking emotions, by striking a listener with diversity of melodies that are simply beautiful, and brilliantly written. At the same time it doesn't feel forced, ideas come one after another in a sort of natural way, just as they should.

This release has surprises hidden for the listener, requires to give it at least a couple of listens and a patient approach. I must say I'm really happy I have discovered this one. I can recommend "Pirut" to anyone interested in mature, beautiful music. You do not need to be a metal geek to like this album. Give it a listen or two, maybe five, just don't rush with it.