Stonewounds

Recently, I received the first full-length album by the Ukrainian band Ukronakh, a relatively new band formed in 2020. Despite their recent formation, they have already released three full-length albums and an EP. The trio released their first album, “Stonewounds,” on November 27, 2021, through a collaboration of four labels: GrimmDistribution, Krasta Records, The End of Time Records and Kuyen Prod. The album was released digitally and in a limited edition of 500 CD format, featuring seven tracks with a total duration of approximately forty-nine minutes. From the typical and somewhat conventional cover, you can get an idea of the musical direction Ukronakh presents here. As soon as the first track starts with the sound of rain and the rustling of tree leaves, there is no doubt about what we are going to hear next. However, a few seconds later, you are surprised to find that things are not exactly as you imagined.

Musically, the band presents a mix of cold, atmospheric, and melodic Black Metal with DSBM references and a melancholic and cold atmosphere. It is a mental journey through the mountains, among the trees, becoming one with nature. On this background, Death Metal influences with very heavy, rhythmic riffs and brutal outbursts, add a violent alternation in style and emotions, resembling the changes one would encounter in such a landscape, sometimes calm, serene, and perhaps melancholic, and other times angry, violent, and occasionally panicked. The riffs, depending on the part, are slow, melodic, cold, and melancholic, while elsewhere they are fast and violent. The tracks are long, all lasting more than five minutes, but their structure is quite good, with few parts that might tire the listener. The lyrics are written in Ukrainian and can be found in the eight-page booklet, along with their English translations. As expected, the lyrics depict images of landscapes, situations, and wanderings in dark and frozen natural settings.

Regarding the band’s performance level, both technically and in their ability to create images and emotions, it is quite high. The guitars are the most important instrument in the compositions, creating intense emotions for the listener and crafting vivid images. I couldn’t distinguish the bass lines. The drums have very interesting lines, with excellent changes, stability, and passionate playing. The vocals are mainly heavy Death Metal vocals that sometimes turn into harsh Black Metal screams, fitting perfectly with the style and emotion of the music. The production is bass-heavy and clear, while the mix is quite balanced, highlighting the guitars and vocals more. The final result gives us a solid, heavy, and powerful sound that showcases the music, images, and emotions created by the band.

In conclusion, I can say that “Stonewounds” left a very good impression on me, even though I could say that I have encountered the band’s sound and style several times before. However, the details and quality that distinguish the band, won me over and I believe this album is a very good initial effort. As I mentioned earlier, the band has released two more albums after this one, which I will definitely check out. If you like melancholic, cold sounds full of emotions and wanderings in natural landscapes, I believe you will greatly appreciate this release.