Monday 5 April 2021

Wendigo - Heresy


Labels: NitroAtmosfericum Records

Formats: CD

Release Date: 10 Feb 2021


1. To Evil Enemies

2. Revelation

3. On The Blade Of Destiny!

4. The Pit Of Your Nightmares

5. Descended...


I'm still suffering from sporadic writer's block, so please forgive me if things are still a little slow for a few days. I'm testing the notion that I might almost be over it with a review of another release I received earlier this year, as part of a package from Russian label NitroAtmosfericum Records and longtime blog supporter SiN. SiN is otherwise known for the ambient black metal band Astarium, but here he reappear's in Wendigo, a band that veers off in a more grunge/punk/alternative direction. Heresy is the band's second release and it was put onto cd back in February. Also I need to mention that everything on here is in Russian, so I've had to use Google Translate for the song titles. I hope they're correct, but please let me know if not.


As with Astarium, much of Wendigo’s music is captured using synths and midi instruments but it’s very skilfully done. EP opener ‘To Evil Enemies’ is very up-tempo and catchy, with the odd bit of heaviness thrown in as well. Sometimes, the recording does seem to break up/skip in places and I can’t quite figure it out if that’s a defect with this cd or with the release overall. Thankfully, it’s minimal though and doesn’t effect your enjoyment too much.


‘Revelation’ is a lot more menacing in it’s tone and even the clean vocals add to that feeling. This is definitely one to file under alternative, as in truth it will only appeal to those who like truly alternative music and those not afraid to take a punt every now and then. I’ve got a lot of respect for the work that SiN has done over the years, as he’s doing something I would never have the guts to do so I can’t sit here and criticise it.


I do like how Wendigo keeps this music very true to it’s Russian homeland, not taking on more familiar Western influences. ‘On The Blade Of Destiny!’ is another up-tempo song that features cleverly programmed drums with pretty organic sounding bass and guitar work too. The vocals once again are clean, sometimes almost delivered as spoken-word. More extreme vocal patterns do emerge at times, but they are few and far between. In fact, I don’t recall the self-titled EP having this kind of crossover of styles.


There’s more of a minimalistic approach to penultimate song ‘’The Pit Of Your Nightmares’, which given it’s title, is definitely darker. It’s has a post-punk/industrial feel and despite it’s longer playing time, it doesn’t overstay it’s welcome at all. EP closer ‘Descended…’ continues in the way it’s predecessor finished. It seems to go by in a flash too.


Heresy is pretty varied overall. Wendigo doesn’t stick to one formula, choosing to mix faster songs with slow ones, upbeat music with gloomier tones. With alternative music being so broad in style and delivery, this is definitely worth a listen. It looks like Wendigo will be a very productive band going forwards.


This release isn't streaming online. I think it's about time NitroAtmosfericum Records created their own Bandcamp page so that more people can hear releases like this, but that's just my opinion.


Physical CD copies can be purchased here - http://www.nitroatmosfericum.ru/eng/


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

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