Небо ещё не погибло

The English-language translation of this EP is "The Sky Has Not Yet Died" which might suggest an optimistic outlook on Russian depressive BM band Taiga's part. The music though sounds very bleak even after repeated hearings so maybe the title, far from hinting at optimism, points to disappointment instead. If death is the solution to a life lacking in purpose and hope, then postponement of death is as bad as death itself. The singing doesn't get any better either throughout the entire recording; an earlier work of Taiga's that I've reviewed elsewhere pinpoints the vocals as the weakest element in Taiga's style, being limited in range and execution and placed far back in the music so that they fight for attention with the guitars and drums, both of which are very powerful and intense in themselves.

All that said, the music extends from what we'd expect of depressive BM - that is, doom and gloom to the nth degree, highly intense and emotional - to surprisingly hard-hitting and thunderous riffs, rhythms and melodies all hammered out as if the world is about to end today, and that message needs to get out to as many people as possible. The overall attitude is so incredibly bleak and utterly hopeless, the hysterical screaming is on the edge of the deepest madness, and the drums pound that message incessantly and ruthlessly into your head ... you almost feel like giving up on life right now, but the music's power and energy are so strong and compelling that it drags you all the way to the end. Put that knife down. The musicians pile a lot into their craft - tremolo riffs and melodies build upon each other, the drumming keeps hammering away, the screaming never stops - the music is all-encompassing in its hellish darkness.

You'll come away from this recording fearing for the vocalist's sanity and wondering if he'll make 2016 with mind and body together; this is heart-rending stuff to hear and endure. The raw textures add to the pain and anguish felt, and the overall sense of helplessness and hopelessness. Just as well the EP stops after 25 minutes - I might start fearing for my own well-being.