BY STEVE THIRIOT
VARMIA, a Polish pagan black metal band founded in 2016, does not settle for mere emulation. Instead, it unfurls its wings in a ritualistic summoning of the spirits of ancient Baltic tribes. Their fourth album, "nie nas widzę," is a magnificent effort that contributes not just to the genre of black metal, but also serves as an aural homage to their Baltic roots. Using traditional instruments like the goat horn and the tagelharpa, the album is a unique interplay between the feral intensity of black metal and the archaic resonances of Baltic folk music.
The album opens with “I” a raw, stripped down sound, immediately establishing the atmosphere. The fire crackles and the acoustic guitar sooths, as if a rite of passage is about to happen. This tracks serves as an inviting yet foreboding initiation into VARMIA's world.
"SVA" unfolds like a pagan hymn, soaked in aural layers of ominous chaos. The seven-minute run time allows the song to fully develop its themes, balancing screams and melody.
Embodying elements from several different styles of metal,"agre" takes you on an epic odyssey with its resonant riffs and guttural vocals, before delivering a haunting, layered conclusion.
The fourth track “II” serves as a brief but moving interlude, offering an ethereal, melodic moment that serves as a breather, leading into the album's second act.
"KAD SAULE DIV" Is epic in scope and ambition, this track stands out for its dynamic composition, serving as a microcosm for the entire album's journey from darkness into an almost spiritual enlightenment.
The longest track on the album, "swaixtan," is a monumental exploration of themes, teetering between aggression and melancholy, with traditional instruments adding depth and character.
“III” delivers another short piece that serves as a bridge, leading the listener into the album's final chapters.
“DIES TREMOR” title suggests a day of trembling, and the music delivers on that promise with palpable tension and cathartic release.
“kres” holds an almost transcendental quality, shifting the energy towards an impending climax with its intricate guitar work and resounding drumming.
“IV” Seems to ponder the journey thus far, encapsulating the band's various influences in another instrumental reflective moment.
As if calling upon ancestral spirits, "DAINA 4" is a captivating experience, weaving together the myriad threads of the album's thematic tapestry.
Concluding the odyssey, "poswiat" serves as an epilogue, leaving the listener in a state of reflective calm with aggressive moments, contemplating the emotional and spiritual journey undertaken.
What VARMIA has achieved with "nie nas widzę" is a tapestry of intensity and subtlety, modernity and antiquity. They've created a soundscape that not only respects the tenets of black metal but also honors the heritage of ancient Baltic tribes through an amalgamation of traditional and contemporary instruments.
"nie nas widzę" is a monumental achievement, pushing the boundaries of what black metal can be while remaining deeply rooted in its core sensibilities. Whether you are a fan of black metal, a student of ancient cultures, or simply someone who appreciates boundary-pushing music, "nie nas widzę" by VARMIA is an album worth exploring. It demonstrates that the future of black metal lies in its ability to look backward as well as forward, to summon the old gods while forging new myths.
Listen to the Album on SPOTIFY