Since Drudkh formed back in 2002 they have become one of the most highly regarded black metal bands. Reviews averaging the high 80s to the low 90s, and their first of three 2006 releases; Krov u nashykh Krynytsyakh (Blood in Our Wells) was a staple among the “Best of ‘06” lists. So why I have I given such a low rating?
Musically this album is best described as horrible; people may argue its pure emotion, if the emotion they are trying to express be boredom, this album nailed it perfectly. Everything contributes equally to this monotonous lament that is Estrangement. From the repetitive guitar riffs which sound to be written by someone whom had no concern for musicianship, to the drums that could easily be the result of randomly punching beats into a drum machine. I can’t pick at the vocals as they are rather good for black metal; such a shame the music isn’t as good.
Ideologically Drudkh are not the typical black metal band covering deeper themes then death and anti-religion. This is not a good thing in this case; minimalist melancholy songs about forests and poetry ultimately lead to a snooze fest; I might add this is coming from a doom metal fan; slow and long songs are not new to me.
Drudkh’s success has always been a mystery to me; how is a band that is so repetitive and monotonous held in such high regard by so many people. Estrangement is a testament to how much this band lacks; musically and ideologically. But by all means check this album out if you don’t believe me, as I am one of the few people to give a negative review on this album and to a greater extent Drudkh.
rafazardly 