Monday, February 15, 2016

Сруб - "Хтонь" [2015]

Artist: Сруб
Title: Хтонь
Genre: Post-Punk, Darkwave, Neofolk
Country: Russia
Release date: 2015

Track List:
  1. Горицвет
  2. Изгнание
  3. Дом Всех Тревог
  4. Грот
  5. До Горизонта Земли
  6. Обрыв
  7. Всем Языки Развяжет Заря
  8. Говори (Угомони Зло)
  9. Юдоль
As I've said several times before, the "dark" music scene in Russia was rapidly developing in late 2000s, until it was cast down by hipsters in early 2010s in the same manner as the 1980s metal scene was destroyed by grunge in early 1990s. Today, most of what's described as "underground music from post-USSR" is just shitty indie rock/pop, but there are some really interesting new projects as well (although not many). Here's one of these.

Сруб was formed in Novosibirsk by Igor Shapransky, and quickly became a sensation among both hipster crowd and 2000s' gothic rock fans. The music is more or less standard post-punk, but with lyrics more typical for neofolk or pagan/black metal (fortunately it's rather well written and nowhere near as ridiculous as the lyrics of Arkona or many other "Slavonic metal" bands). All in all, it can be described as a mix of neofolk, darkwae and post-punk (or "witch punk", as the band members themselves call it), with a great "forest" atmosphere comparable to that of the best atmospheric black metal acts. Would agree with this comment on bandcamp:

"Surely one of Russia's very best acts. Tremendous energy, powerful rhythm section, superb vocals and unbelievably catchy. Do yourself a favour and pick up their entire discog, these guys are seriously addictive!"

So far I've heard their whole discography, except for their latest album which was released only a few days ago. Have high hopes for it too, even though Сруб is becoming a bit self-repeating as of late... Still, all their albums and EPs I've heard so far are awesome, and this one is certainly one of the best.


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