Malokarpatan - Cesta Podzemnými Sálami Kovovlada EP

Labels: Sun & Moon Records

Formats: Vinyl

Release Date: 08 Apr 2019

Tracklist: 

1. Cesta Podzemnými Sálami Kovovlada I

2. Cesta Podzemnými Sálami Kovovlada II

Following my review of the latest EP from Romanian black metal band Siculicidium last week, I wanted to pay attention to the second promo that arrived at the same time. This one features Slovakian black metal band Malokarpatan and it once again comes courtesy of Sun & Moon Records. This EP has been released on 7" vinyl having been re-mastered following it's earlier digital release last year. Both songs here also featured on the 2017 "Samhain Celebration MMXVII" compilation tape that was released by German label Heimat Musik.

You’re greeted by bubbling, unnerving ambience on Cesta Podzemnými Sálami Kovovlada I. The ambience continues as it’s joined by folk elements and the odd smattering of guitar feedback. It’s all very intriguing as you wonder when Malokarpatan’s black metal will take hold. Cesta Podzemnými Sálami Kovovlada II is where that intrigue crescendo’s, as Malokarpatan’s heavier side bears fruit in a reverb-drenched way. The tone is lo-fi but obviously creative and the vocals are terrifying, being made up of deep bellows. The tempo is mid-paced and it sometimes draws from doom and even drone. There is groove within their music though and the addition of choral singing adds an extra occult layer to their sound.

This EP is another example of the avant-garde nature of black metal within Eastern Europe. Malokarpatan’s sound may be a little hard to palette for those who are anything but genre lifers, though their appeal is obvious. They serve up something once again unique and worthy of attention.

The full re-mastered EP can be streamed via Youtube below:-

You can buy vinyl copies from Sun & Moon Records here - http://www.sunandmoonrecords.com/.

Malokarpatan - https://www.facebook.com/malokarpatan/

Sun & Moon Records - https://www.facebook.com/sunandmoonrecordstransylvania/

Siculicidium - A Halál és Az Iránytű EP

Labels: Sun & Moon Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 08 Apr 2019

Tracklist:

1. A Halál

2. Az Iránytű

A couple of promos dropped into my inbox recently from a label called Sun & Moon Records. Both featured EP's from Eastern European bands, the first of which being Romania's Siculicidium. The duo from Harghita focus on black metal and have been spreading their music since 2003. They currently have two full-lengths as well as a demo, a split and countless EPs to their name. This EP is the perfect way to be inducted into their occult journey and into the history that they bring to life.

The standard of demos and EPs nowadays are above and beyond what they used to be and while this isn’t Siculicidium’s first foray into black metal by any means, it’s still a quality release and it shows their experience. After the soothing acoustic intro on A Halál, the duo’s music becomes rich in tone and drenched in evil. The riffs are cloaked in feedback, the drums are authoritative and the vocals contain a commanding rasp. It’s very characteristic of the Eastern European sound and its originality is obvious. A great introduction to the band so far.

Az Iránytű seems more like a battle song to start with, which is no surprise given that Siculicidium take their name from a mass murder that was committed by the Habsburg army in 1764 (I’m not a historian by the way. This information was on the band’s Metal Archives page). The song itself is more mesmeric and droning in parts, with repeated riffs and a slightly stripped back approach, to start with at least. The mid-section contains a great bass/drum passage that sounds as funky as it does occult and there are some interesting musical effects within it too. It highlights the duo’s ability to not just play extremely good black metal but to also make it unique and very listenable.

This is a fantastic EP and one that will surprise many. Even if you’re not an ardent black metal listener, I urge you to give this your attention. The best music in the genre is coming from outside of its biggest markets and Romania is one country that should be explored. 

Stream and purchase the EP on vinyl and digitally below:-

The EP is available on both black and clear vinyl from the band above and via Sun & Moon Records here - http://www.sunandmoonrecords.com/webshop

Siculicidium - https://www.facebook.com/Siculicidium/

Sun & Moon Records - https://www.facebook.com/sunandmoonrecordstransylvania/