Description

Zorny Maroz is the debut album from the atmospheric black metal phenomenon from the Belarusian swamps. Vietah is a one man project by a man calling himself Antarctis and here he manages to deliver a wicked melody. Most enjoyable is probably the riffing in Tliennie, as the guitar lead takes on a very pleasant melody, which really sticks. And luckily, once again, the keyboard doesn’t flood the music with redundant melodies, but actually pushes the tunes forward and gives the atmosphere an extra boost. Going back to Tliennie again, which is a fine example of this, where we can hear the eerie keys lurking in the background, only to occasionally take on a more prominent approach. And when it does, it still doesn’t flood the sound or feel redundant. Vocally it’s most definitely inspired by Burzum (obviously so is the music), with a similar howling scream. But whereas most bands going for those type of vocals just sound annoying, I have to say this is quite effective. The short and tortured outbursts of vocals gives it a gloomy effect. I’m pretty sure the drums are programmed, but damn well-done as I didn’t even notice it at first. Vietah sounds much like many other bands, but possess what others lack. Sure, I wouldn’t mind more variation in the vocals and a live drummer, but the atmosphere is effectively haunting and the music not repetitive. While I can’t say it’s a classic, nor that I might listen it to death, it certainly delivers the goods.

Track list:
1. Zorny Maroz U Dalinie Zimovaj Imgly (Starfrost In The Winterfog Valley)
2. Tliennie (Smoldering)
3. Vietah Dy Samotnaja Zorka (Old Moon And Solitary Star)
4. U Prastoru Pa-za Inszym Bokam (To The Space Beyond)
5. Adczuzanasc (Estrangement)