Šmiercieslaŭ

Album Title: 
Cjomny Pryliŭ Razburennja / Ciemrazoŭ
Release Date: 
Monday, March 31, 2014
Distribution: 
Review Type: 

Šmiercieslaŭ are a duo (Darkut-d and Radzim-v, g, b; both of them used to play together in Oyhra, and are active as well in Zmrok) from Belarus that were formed at the end of last century (1998 to be more precise). Despite one and a half decade of existence, Šmiercieslaŭ weren’t that active. There was a split with fellow countrymen Aphoom Zhah (2004, also via Belarussian label Possession Productions), and this album is, as a matter of fact, a compilation of a full length and an EP, which were recorded in 2010 and 2012. The material itself, however, was written in between 1999 and 2003, which gives another view on this album. Oh yes, this release is limited to 500 copies only.

I do not mean it pejoratively insulting or negative (at all), but this stuff is oh so primitive. A Barbarian or Neanderthal like undersigned must adore it, is it not?! Well, actually, Šmiercieslaŭ’s stuff is a very thrashing form of Old School Black Metal of the most simplistic kind (once again I have no intention to use this terminology in a denigrating way; on the contrary, it is a compliment!), lacking of originality but filled with those details that made me fall in love-and-hate with the scene (in mean time some centuries ago, I think). It’s like Sodom, Possessed, Tormentor, Bewitched, Venom, Metallica, Bathory, Kreator and Sarcofago joining forces (if only…) (do you want me to lengthen up this list; because I feel like…), which results in a non-original yet highly attractive eardrum-satisfaction. Seriously, the quality of the tracks, and then I am referring to both the song structures as well as the actual performance, is of an extremely majestic quality. In general the compositions are energetic and fast, including pyroclastic eruptions, but despite the long duration and this high-tech speed, Cjomny Pryliŭ Razburennja / Ciemrazoŭ does not suffer from irritation or utter-excitement because of that kinetism.

Cjomny Pryliŭ Razburennja / Ciemrazoŭ is one hour of aural pleasure. I won’t tell you to buy this material, because I will not get any coin whatsoever; but I am pleased to call this release rather a must than just a recommendation, so do not ignore my highly-professional opinion and be a good man / woman: support the scene! Keep the black flame burning!

92/100