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

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/