Wendigo - Wendigo

Labels: Nitroatmosfericum Records

Formats: CD

Release Date: 04 Jan 2020

Tracklist:

1. Wendigo

2. Agony Of A Dream

3. Rebirth And Death

4. No Regrets...

As I've progressed further with this blog over the years, I've discovered many solo-projects that (often) are better than fully fledged bands. I've also trodden with caution though. Sometimes, solo projects do not live up to their billing. This evening's review focuses on a Russian grunge/punk solo project called Wendigo, that is the brainchild of SiN from Astarium, an atmospheric black metal band I've featured many times and one that I greatly respect. This time, as mentioned above, SiN has decided to turn his hand at something different. This EP was released earlier this year via Nitroatmosfericum Records. The release is entirely in Russian so I've had to employ the services of Google Translate to figure out the song titles. I apologise if they're incorrect, please inform me if so.

I’m really not sure what to expect from this CD but here goes. After a dare-I-say-it Metallica-esque intro, opener ‘Wendigo’ turns into an entertaining punk song with good use of synth melody and programmed drums coupled with the buzzing guitar that’s familiar to you if you’re a fan of Astarium. It’s upbeat for sure. ‘Agony Of A Dream’ is much more atmospheric and mid-paced, lending itself well to the grunge influence that Wendigo’s going for. The clean vocals pay close attention to the sub-genres greats, while the music retains it’s own style as opposed to merely copying. There’s a gloomy feel that’s very apt for this time of year as well.

I don’t really know much about current popular Russian music but I’d imagine it sounds a bit like that of ‘Rebirth And Death’. I think it’s the upbeat nature of the song, with it’s polka-like beats and urgency that makes me say that. I don’t mean to sound ignorant here and apologise If that’s how I come across.  I’m glad that final song ‘No Regrets…’ isn’t a poorly conceived cover of the song by Robbie Williams. Instead Wendigo injects some joviality into this original track and even though it’s less punchy than other songs on here, it’s still got charm and quality.

I’ll be honest, this EP isn’t for everyone. That being said, it’s not a bad release by any means. If you (unlike me) speak or understand Russian, you’ll definitely get more pleasure from it. It’s interesting to here SiN venturing away from black metal but I think I prefer Astarium if I have to choose. 

Wendigo has no social media presence as far as I know. If you want to take a chance on this release, you can purchase it from Nitroatmosfericum Records here - http://nitroatmosfericum.ru/eng/.

Nitroatmosfericum Records - https://www.facebook.com/nitroatmosfericum/