Sõjaruun "Talv" CD

I don’t know how Sõjaruun can produce records at such rate considering they also have other similar acts to write for. But I’m definitely not complaining, ‘cause Talv is by far their best to date. The opening track alone is worth the price of the record.
Kui kostab sójasarve hüüd is such a masterpiece, pure and simple. Starting with gloomy guitar work before a horn blows and the folkish onslaught sets in. The riffing is spectacular, with a subtle and rememberable melody, a rather slow tempo and utterly effective vocals. And as the tempo picks up the riffing gets more intrusive, with the harsh vocals and drumming still being top notch the song becomes even more powerful. An accordion (at least I think it’s an accordion) delivers an incredibly catchy melody, and the folk is at an all-time high. The power of Sõjaruun is almost overwhelming.
These three Estonians are truly talented, and with a nack for effective melodies that doesn’t take away from the grimness of the atmosphere. It’s cold and haunting at the same time as it’s warm and inviting. Vocally it’s fairly harsh, and it complements the melodic touch really well. There are tons of tempo changes to be heard, and it runs very smoothly. There are also some minor hooks that just draws you in, like for instant the magnificent bass in Jäine haud, the sudden instrumental section of only blasting drums and an acoustic guitar in Surmkülmast mullast, or the already mentioned horn usage in Kui kostab sójasarve hüüd. With every release they grow stronger, and with every release they climb higher on the list of top of the line pagan black metal acts. Oh, and by the way, the record also has great art and layout that’s very fitting to the atmosphere.

MiniCD lim. 500

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