Label: Independent
Genre: Black/Death Metal
Length: 32:41
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Ukrainian black/death metal band Vyr Muk released their debut album Crimson Fields of Sorrow last April. The record was released independently and is available on all streaming platforms. As a reminder, this one-man band, founded in 2023, addresses themes related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Previously, the band had already released five EPs, the latest of which, Dreadmarch of the Hollow Knight, was released earlier this year and was reviewed. EP Review: “Dredmach of the Hollow Knight” by Vyr Muk
Unlike this EP, which was mainly based on ambient keyboard compositions, Crimson Fields of Sorrow, with its five tracks and a total running time of 32:41, takes a much more violent turn, fully embracing a black/death metal style. The rhythm is intense, the guitars are sharp, the melodies are omnipresent throughout the album, and the drums impose a constant intensity thanks to fast blast beats. The keyboard remains present, adding a more theatrical atmosphere. The vocals are high-pitched and rageful, giving the whole a more violent and evil dimension. As for the lyrics, they are entirely in Ukrainian.
Among the highlights of this album: from the very first track, Voracity / Ненажерливість, we are drawn in by a melodic composition that shifts, at 1:02, to a fast rhythm accompanied by spitting vocals. At 2:55, I particularly appreciated the composition's structure and the guitar performance, which offers a masterful solo at 3:17. The track Cold Steel / Холодна сталь starts with an atmospheric, slow tempo. The vocals, muffled but powerful, fit into a direct, repetitive composition that creates effective tension. On Era of Rot / Епоха гнилі, the drums immediately stand out. The composition returns to a faster style, and I enjoyed the passage at 3:00 where the rhythm picks up again, driven by relentless drums. This track oscillates between fast sections and loude atmospheres. I would also highlight the scream at 4:46, which leaves no one indifferent.
Bitterness of Loss / Горіч втрати stands out for its dark and melancholic atmosphere. It is the longest track on the album and also my favourite. I particularly liked the evolution of the track and the care taken with each section. The composition, both melodic and raw, from 3:53 onwards, is remarkable, followed by a burst of drums at 4:24 and a powerful growl at 4:39. A track to listen to carefully. The album concludes with the track Oh How It Was / Ой як же було, an instrumental performance that blends striking drums, raw and melodic guitars, and atmospheric keyboards to create a poignant final symphony.
Crimson Fields of Sorrow is a mature debut album, intense, melodic and emotionally charged. Vyr Muk presents a dark and committed vision, combining the brutality of black/death metal with heavy and tragic atmospheres. I think it is perhaps a personal, visceral work that immediately highlights the singularity of this project.