The hoofbeat is like hammers
That are singing in the celestial palace,
The czarevna dressed in gold,
Rushes on a bay stallion.
There is a grand escort of spirits with her
That covers the sunlight.
And she flies ahead, so wild
Searching the one who is none.
Where is the beloved that was singing to her at dawn,
The mortal that sunk into her soul?
Where are the chants of the grievous reed pipe?
They are dissolved among mountains and plains.
He went and melted away along with the summer,
And so many years have passed.
But the Amorous along with her escort
Strives to pick up his scent every year.
The czarevna dressed in gold
Laid down on the forests and fields.
And the tin is dropped form the skies
By the Crystalline heart.
Blackbraid quickly followed up their 2022 debut in 2023 with more native folk infused furious black metal. This is by no means a sophomore slump as it is equally excellent, methodical, melodical, and approachable as the first record. 9/10 RJ
The atmosphere of this album is fantastic. Makes you feel like you're knee-deep in the trenches drenched in mud, filth, sweat, and blood. Truly encapsulates the horrors of World War I, and the fact that the lyrics of some of the songs are taken from old war letters really adds to the authenticity.
Favorite Track(s): Die Feuertaufe, Grabenlieder edoerfler