This was quite a nice surprise. Very recently I got in touch again with Dutch act The Shiva Hypothesis. I wasn’t sure, to be honest, whether these guys were still active. I was truly impressed by their promo-EP from 2015 and their sole official release, 2018’s full-length Ouroboros Stirs. However, as from then on, things went extremely silent.
Those who are trusted with the divine Aural Art by Rojinski do know that this project is enormously productive (this review deals with the third [!] release in 2025 by this prolific outfit!), with each single release coming with its very own-faced approach. Throughout the years, Rojinski did slowly evolve, with all recordings having a comparable identity, yet also their specific content and attitude.
I can be quite short and concise about this release. Why? Because this might be one of the most amazing surprises lately.
Embrace the power of the mountain, feel the magic of the Vanir, and hide in our magical forest from Ragnarök…
When talking about Nordic Folk Music, one usually thinks about bands from European soil; from Sweden, Norway, Russia, Germany, Scotland, you know… I am quite open-minded and I don’t get scared that easily anymore (I dwell around this planet for more than half a century in the meantime), but hey, a Viking / Folk act from Uruguay, of all places?
Because I am such an amazing, sympathetic, vivid, bright, virile, smart, professional, handsome and, above all, modest and humble reviewer (why are you sardonically grimacing?), I have the chance to meet some very sympathetic and kind musicians from all over our beautiful yet rotting globe. An example is Lawrence K., the guy behind the Dark Ambient / Dungeon Synth outfit Idylls Of The Last King. With pleasure and dedication, I wrote down my humble thoughts on some of the former releases.
Those who do follow the story of the Synthetic King and the Human Emperor: here is a next chapter within this exciting story. After the belief, or hope, to choose Utryn as his suitable successor, at a period of relative quietness and peace, Utryn suddenly shows up at the Emperor celestial palace. Both rulers discuss a future series of events that might turn the balance of power towards one of both. Conditions are discussed and soon battles and combats will be organized. What will be the outcome. Will Utryn, the Zealous Killer, survive and become the Vrozlydian Emperor’s successor?
When same-minded spirits, mutually-thinking brains sort of unphysically gather…
…nope, that’s not the opening sentence I am searching for. This time, it’s quite difficult for me to start this review, because, you know, I want to do more than just expressing my appreciation for this new recording, as well as for the artist behind it. I want to have the aural effort being ‘structured’ in an embodiment of respect, gratitude, recognition and comprehension, with the creator being granted for both his expressive kindness and sonic craftsmanship…
Some might recognize the name Ian ‘Mully’ Mullinger from his assistance with Vallenfyre (at that time, this band also included members from Brujeria, Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride). Others might know him from the EBM / Dark Techno / Synthwave project Electric Dragon.
This is a nice surprise. Two very fine and kind human beings from our beautiful planet joined forces to create a sonic effort together. By coincidence, both of them are crafted musicians as well, so this must work out well…
Or: The Silent Watchtower is the result of a collaboration in between the solo-projects Alphaxone (Mehdi Saleh from Iran) and Rojinski (Alexei Rojinski from some place on Mater Terra, or elsewhere within our huge Universe).
Introduction: released almost one year ago, but Thrash-fanatics: be prepared for another combo from Belgian soil about to conquer the planet…
Location: Liège (Belgium)
Current line-up: Kévin Lambert (drums), Ludovic Hubert (vocals & guitars), Morgane Greeven (bass), Sébastien Grätz (guitars)
Recorded: at Le Garage Créative Music
Mix & mastering: Psycho
Artwork: I think from the band itself; simple and characteristic yet effective!
