Drudkh / Grift – Betrayed by the Sun / Hägringar (2016)

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We rarely review split releases, but due to the involvement of both the legendary Drudkh and the gritty Grift, this one made the cut. As a collaboration between Nordvis Produktion and Season of Mist, this four song split release is filled with melancholic Black Metal. Hailing from Ukraine and Sweden respectively, these two outfits have perfected the craft of highly emotional Black Metal that is both aggressive and memorable.

Opening the release we have Drudkh and their “His Twenthy- Fourth Spring” master piece. This track delivers the band signature tempo changes that weave from intense BM passages to more melodic and refined interludes. With a very graceful pace, this track has a certain Vreid/Windir vibe that we find magical. The heavy hitter “Autumn in Sepia” delivers another onslaught of brilliant riffing and tight drumming, perfectly paired with harsh vocals and a very atmospheric chorus section.

Changing the pace a bit into more emotional territories, Grift delivers the atmospheric “Källan”. Starting off like something Empyrium/Tenhi would have crafted, this one-man outfit delivers a very mellow piece that nicely picks up at the correct moments. The release closes with the moody “Cirkeln”, a track filled with tempo changes and very emotional vocals. We particularly enjoy Grift’s style as the band weaves back and for melancholy and aggression while keeping a very oppressive vibe.

Overall, this four track EP is definitely worth the money and more so as a collector’s item. If you are a fan of either Drudkh or Grift, this is one hell of a release that should hold you over until they release a new full length. Be sure to pick up the transparent blue vinyl before they are gone.

Band: Drudkh / Grift Album: Betrayed by the Sun / Hägringar

Label: Season of Mist / Nordvis Produktion

Release: September 16th, 2016

Official Site / Oficial Site Social Media / Social Media

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Ukraine / Sweden

Rating: 91/100
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