Lumikuuro (BadMoodMan Music)

 Kauan is a quite young Russian band formed in 2005 and “Lumikuuro” is their first and penultimate effort (as far as I know the band have already recorded a second full length called “Kauan - Tietäjän Laulu” to be released this year through BMM Music). The eclectic, tranquil, yet obscure musical proposal this trio delivers here, includes diverse influences of styles such Folk, Doom and Atmospheric Black Metal and blend them into a quite original, obscure and beautiful musical piece. Some reminiscences of early Empyrium’s albums can be heard along this opus, complemented by some tranquil Tenhi-inspired acoustic folk passages. The obscurity is also present during the 43 minutes this album lasts, in shape of ripping, infernal voices, solemn choruses and some disturbing, gloomy melodies; all these elements are perfectly amalgamated creating an intense and dismal blackish aura, which is perfectly harmonized by the most tranquil folk-laden passages, contributing with a remarkable eclecticism and mixture. The variety and musical simplicity are one of the strongest points of this release, keeping the listener completely immerse into the magnificent atmospheres that surrounds this album. This album is capable to transport you through the infinite depths of introspection; every time you listen to this album an entirely new trip being… even when “Lumikuuro” is a pretty simple and sober musical work, new arranges and atmospheres can be found after several listenings… This album is definitely an impressive debut, a coherent and harmonic piece of music full of obscurity, intensity and, at the same time, full of beauty and majestic simplicity… Everyone into Folk/Ambient, Melodic Doom Metal and even Folkish Atmospheric Black Metal should take a listened to this impressive debut; you’ll certainly find here an underground jewel worthy of interest… Absolutely recommendable!! (AP)