Vyraj [LP]

Dymna Lotva are taking a quantum leap in their rapid musical evolution with their fourth album "Vyraj". The rebellious Belarus dissidents are powerfully demonstrating that they are far more than a 'one-trick pony' in every conceivable artistic aspect. Although "Vyraj" is still based on a solid foundation of black and post-black metal, Dymna Lotva move far beyond any easy labelling by also drawing inspiration from doom, heavy, and progressive metal, while venturing even deeper by incorporating elements from electronic music, goth, and folklore. The album is a cornucopia of great songs that are atmospherically dense and invite the listener onto an emotional roller-coaster ride from the darkest depths of depression and fear, via raw anger and defiance, to heights of ecstatic exhilaration. "Vyraj" is a musical kaleidoscope with ever changing patterns and sonic colours of remarkable beauty - that often dissolves into captivating melodies that at times even achieve a pop-like appeal. Dymna Lotva continue to carry the torch of rebellion, which is only natural as the founding members had to flee their native Belarus due to political persecution and continued attempts by the Lukashenka regime to censor and suppress their art. Yet on "Vyraj", they put their lyrical focus elsewhere. The album's main concept could be described as 'Belarusian ethno-astronomy.' In Slavonic legends, the starry sky is associated both with the afterlife and with journeys, which becomes closely intertwined with the musicians' personal experience of forced emigration. This idea is captured in the album title "Vyraj", which is a mythical realm to where birds migrate for the winter, and where the souls of the departed find their final rest. Dymna Lotva take another big step with "Vyraj" in their breathtakingly rapid artistic evolution. It is easy to predict that this unique and highly original band will soon appear on even bigger festival billings and European stages.