Drudkh – “Songs of Grief and Solitude” – [Season of Mist]

Despite the creepy images on the cover and in the CD insert (demons, ravens, a cloaked figure) that would make one think that this was a metal release, Ukrainian metal band Drudkh‘s “Songs of Grief and Solitude” is more folk than doom. Inspired by Ukrainian folk lore (fairy tales, folk songs, and legends) and by elements of some of their metal tunes, it’s a drony, psychedelic, nature-filled listen. Flutes, rain sounds, guitar, and splashing are part of the soundtrack that is akin to a far more depressed, dronier Renaissance Fair or a dourer Guild of Temporal Adventurers.