Vorkuta is one of the oldest Hungarian BM acts, whose activity spans over more than 2 decades. In spite of its long time activity, the band has been more keen to release split EPs rather than to record full lengths, therefore “Into the Chasms of Lunacy” (2007) has been so far the only album in Vorkuta‘s discography.
In 2008 they released their last material, a split 7″ with fellow Hungarians Marblebog before falling into a deep and silent slumber. On the 1st of March AB, Vorkuta has finally resurfaced with a new EP, “Wandering Alone in the Forest of Transcendence“, which came out via Metal ör Die Rec/Deathlike Noise Prod, in various formats: tape, 7″ vinyl and digital.
With a duration of almost 10 minutes, this material marks the return of the band after 13 years of silence and shows a rather different approach than the one used in the past. The opening title track is an atmospheric song, split in two parts: the first one seems like a walk in an enchanted forest with field recordings guiding your steps, while the second part transcends into a Burzum-ish ambient track which envelops you in a deep sense of reverie and mysticism.
The second song of this EP, “Incarnations Turned to Charred Flesh“, is a mid tempo track with a primitive feeling. An eerie keyboard looms over the song in the background while the instrumental sounds like it’s been written by some early 90s obscure Norwegian band. The raspy vocals contrast with the “monotonous” guitar and drum parts adding a certain rawness to the whole atmosphere. The 2 tracks on this material really complement each other perfectly and make the whole listening experience extremely “enjoyable”, if that can be said about a black metal release.
Beside the music, what can better represent the rebirth of Vorkuta than the beautiful EP cover? The black and white drawing has been done almost 20 years ago by Marton Horvath and was intended to appear on another of the band’s release, but that did not happen until now. By using it on this EP, the circle has been finally closed and “Wandering Alone…” is indeed the perfect comeback for Vorkuta. Press “play” and wander.
Vorkuta Line-Up:
Blizzard – Vocals
Inmar – Strings
Harrach – Session Drums
Band links:
https://www.facebook.com/vorkutablackmetal
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