Another bout of depression for Dymna Lotva.
Three years after their last album, the Belarusian quartet now based in Poland led by Nokt (vocals), Jauhien (guitar/bass), Mikita (guitar) and Bocian (drums) – also all members of Hangover in Minsk – have renewed their partnership with Prophecy Productions for their fourth album, Vyraj.
We delve into their darkness with opening track Zory, a fairly calm piece imbued with an atmospheric Folk touch before the arrival of a sound that’s both oppressive and deeply trippy, immediately capturing my mind before unleashing the raw violence of the rhythm section and the screams. A few backing vocals soften the mix, but the intensity remains palpable right up to Veha where we find the eerie hazy atmosphere created by the numerous voices that complement the piercing screams, as well as that mental chaos that personally both captivated and terrified me, yet also reassured me during the more stripped-down passages. I’d like to highlight the bass sound, which carries us toward the final wave, then on to The Boat of Despair, a track that’s clearly more Doom-oriented, where the musicians are joined by Aaron Stainthorpe (High Parasite, ex-My Dying Bride) to steer the ship with a Gothic gentleness that fits perfectly with the raw darkness, before returning to a more visceral aggression on Viedzmieragina, the next song. Leads are much more heavily influenced by Black Metal than the rest of the instrumental, while the vocalist lets loose, making the whole thing even more gripping before giving us a moment to catch our breath as we move on to Niama Darohi, where the foundation is much softer, almost groovy, before igniting to capture our minds. The ethereal melodies also return, adding a haunting touch while allowing the vocalist to venture into much softer passages to contrast her usual cries of distress, but the atmosphere grows heavier and more unsettling once again with Bu Samoje, the next track that immediately follows suit and lets a sampled voice build that contagious sense of dread. The backing vocals reinforce the impact of the lead vocals while weaving their own identity, but the track quickly gives way to Ustan Za Mianie, where we’re delighted to rediscover that heady slowness as well as the band’s heart-wrenching, solemn tone that effortlessly engulfs us – though this, too, is short-lived. The album is already drawing to a close with Return My Coffin Home, where the band treats us to extended acoustic passages that hypnotize us, eventually welcoming Ukrainian musician Ingvarr (Schreigarm) on vocals. His presence reinforces Nokt’s plaintive voice while adding his own expressive touch, one that stands apart from the usual style yet remains complementary, leading to a grand final.
If you had any doubts about my love for Dymna Lotva’s music, I hope I’ve been clear enough to dispel them. Although I think Vyraj could have used one or two more tracks, I come away completely spellbound and possessed by this dark, heavy blend of infectious sadness.
95/100