Ukrainian Nokturnal Mortum and Polish Graveland got hitched for this 37-minute split release, which includes three songs from both. Packed in a neat, archaic-looking carved wooden box, the digipak CD with mat foil and spot gloss looks absolutely stunning. It is good to have lyric translations, since the bands perform in their native languages. Also two vinyl box set exists, as well as cassette editions. This really is a fine item for collectors to hunt down (some versions already for three-digit prices...)!

There are similarities to both bands' entries for this split. First, each act brought an intro and two proper songs to the table. The proper ones are over 7 minutes long pieces, one of them almost hitting the 10-minute mark. The main lyrical theme is war. NM's (from Ukraine) second track title translates to 'Eastern Breakdown', and tells about evil force that comes from East. Remember, this was released in 2016, when Ukraine was already invaded.

NM's part begins with an intro with warhorns and sounds of war (men shouting, horses neighing, swords clashing, and slowly it turn to modern sounds of guns, explosion and tanks), and it builds towards the end (like it fucking did...). 'Eastern Breakdown' is a rather varying song, fluidly amalgamate heavy metal riffing, fantastic pagan metal melodiousness, and more extreme parts with blast beats and fast riffage (not much in form of tremolo picking, really). Good use of samples continues on the song. 'In shackles of time' is a melancholic song with slight alterations during its long running time; there are strong gothic vibes, Pink Floyd-ish 1980's prog pulse and strong heavy metal pounding. Still, both of the songs are going forward all the time, with very strong pulsing. Various synthesizer elements were utilized; from carpet-style sounds to electronic and industrial bleeps, choir sounds among other, giving it all a stamp of past and now existing in the same sphere. The vocals are agonized yet hateful when needed, and totally powerful growling, but also calmer recitation, perfectly fitting with other sonics. Stark, melancholic, woeful...

Polish Graveland uses more acoustic instruments (vielle and cello; drums probably synthesized), lifting the folk vibe upwards. Pagan/medieval atmosphere gets electrified
soon and dry croaked distorted vocals enter the game. Melodies (provided by every stringed instruments) are familiar, but still effective, as the instrumentation is deep and well premeditated. While there is a keyboard utilized, it does not get noticed, so this is more ancient in its vibe as NM songs. It also is kind of held back, plus the songs are pretty kindred to each other, and nothing too adventurous. Archaic, melancholic, subtle.

Especially NM's side is very heartbreaking thing to listen to during these horrendous times of war. I began to dive into the band's work, unlike Graveland's, after I heard this release. Nokturnal Mortum get 9/10, and Graveland get 6+/10, with nicely packaging totaling to...

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
04/15/2022 22:58