Label: Fetzner Death Records
Genre: Black Metal
Length: 38:06
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Oskrnavitelj is a black metal band hailing from Serbia. Founded in 2021, the band self-released their debut album Прадавни (Pradavni) in 2023. In last May, this intense release sees a limited edition reissue in Digipak CD format through German label Fetzner Death Records. The name “Oskrnavitelj” translates into English as “Desecrator”, an evocative choice for a band whose lyrics explore paganism, blasphemy and radical misanthropy.
At 38 minutes and 6 seconds, Прадавни (Pradavni) features 8 tracks and an ambient intro. Musically speaking, the album offers us raw, direct black metal, faithful to the second-wave sound. The guitars deliver frenetic riffs, supported by pounding drums and muffled, screamed vocals that lend the whole an obscure aura. A narrative female voice also makes an appearance, notably on the track Prognanik at 1:55 and 3:49, reinforcing the esoteric aspect of the record. Attentive fans will notice the presence of discreet but effective melodies, lurking beneath the dissonance. The influence of bands like Gorgoroth and Mayhem is clearly felt in the structure and intensity of the songwriting.
Highlights include the change of atmosphere at 3:23 on the opening track Oskrnavitelj, which evokes Mayhem-like atmospheres. The second track, Okovan, sets a frantic pace from the very first seconds, with hard-hitting riffs that create hypnotic chaos. I particularly enjoyed the rise in intensity from 2:45 onwards. The track Prognanik, my personal favourite, stands out for its poignant vocal performance and spectral narration. On Kad je mesec pun, the vocals become more elaborate, and the melodies from 1:46 onwards add an almost melancholy dimension.
Beskraj remains in a chaotic mood, but introduces several notable tempo variations, particularly at 2:52, when the tempo slows briefly before picking up again. On Krv vučija, the drums make their mark with an excellent performance from 2:47. Vagrob impresses with its transition at 0:26, moving from a melodic passage to an aggressive surge. The song's structure is rich and complex; at 3:32, you think you've finished listening, but an excellent instrumental sequence revives the track. Finally, at 4:38, an infernal scream tears through the calm (the most striking scream on the album) accompanied by dark melodies: this track will feature on my upcoming playlist Serial Compilation Vol.5. The album closes with Hladno runo planina, an uncompromising, wild track, with a relentless rhythm and vocals that are unleashed right up to the last second.
Прадавни (Pradavni) is a solid debut album that draws its strength from the roots of 90s black metal, with a well-crafted production. A raw and immersive work, you can order your copy on Fetzner Death Records - Website or on the Bandcamp below