Year: 2025
Label: Skon
Rating: 7,5 / 10
We will begin our close acquaintance with the releases of the young Krywian label Skon from the fourth position. UDUŠŠA is a newly formed Death Metal band, which consists of members of APRAMIETNAJA, GOATHORNED, VIEDŹMINY PAKUTY etc.. Also, some other people helped with the record: M82A1 from VERWÜSTUNG (he is responsible for “prayers” and “chants") and sound engineer Alexey Sedin (mastering).
“Karavany ź Juhotu” ("Caravans from Yuggoth") lasts just under 11 minutes and has only two tracks. As you might guess, the band's concept is based on Lovecraft's work. The lyrics focus primarily on the demonic aspect of Lovecraft's mythology. At this point, it should be noted that handling Lovecraft in metal is a rather delicate matter. There are a lot of bands inspired by him, but only a small part of them have a good taste and understanding of how “Lovecraftian metal” should sound. First of all, it should not sound like THE GREAT OLD ONES, a completely talentless shit band from Season of Mist roster, that got popular only because it thematically joined the universe of the great writer. There must be a certain understatement in Lovecraftian metal, a sense of grandiose mystery that cannot be grasped by a weak human mind. And also a measured, deep sound. Only real masters like NILE or NECROM can make intense music based on Lovecraft. In the perfect world, it should also have a sense of cosmic horror.
Fortunately, the guys from UDUŠŠA are not simpletons, so they know all this very well. Therefore, “Karavany ź Juhotu” has a full set of Lovecraftian vibes even in the design of the cassette, which turned out to be simply outstanding. This music has all the aspects listed above, except perhaps that very horror. Yes, they are not implemented at the most elite level (hardly anyone is able to embody Lovecraft in metal better than THERGOTHON and KRAKEN DUUMVIRATE), but trying your hand in such things is what demos are for, after all. From a compositional point of view, this is solid Death Metal, built on accentuated, catchy and rather richly arranged riffs. Despite the medium tempo, the music and vocals are very changeable. You won't get bored, there is no monotony at all. The downside is that the overall sound of “Karavany ź Juhotu” is too reminiscent of some other bands. And I think something should be done about that on a future album.
The “Karavany ź Juhotu” cassette, as I understand it, has already been sent to print and will be available for purchase before the end of the year. The print run will be small, so keep an eye on the label's news. All contacts and links can be found here.
