The Ukrainian nationalists of Drudkh release the “Anti-Urban” 10 inch EP (in orange-brown vinyl) after already five full lengths (all spread over five years) of which the latest “Songs Of Grief & Solitude” was a mere acoustic folk release. Both songs on “Anti-Urban” take you back to the typical black metal Drudkh stand for. First up is “Fallen Into Oblivion” which is an instrumental one, a possible soundtrack for a sorrowful soul captured by the beauty of nature. Even though this track sounds a bit too repetitive (even for Drudkh standards), the long stretched melody is one that surely strangles all mirth deep inside.
“Ashes” is more up tempo and not-instrumental, yet the vocals are very low in the mix. As expected from Drudkh. Few black metal bands can take you down with such a mournful atmosphere (as also Burzum did on “Hvis Lyset Tar Oss”). No trends, no samples, no blasts and surely no technical highlights. “Anti-Urban” nihilistic approach works fine every time. After “Ashes'” abrupt ending the thirteen minutes seemed to pass as if they were seconds…
