Resonance - Tsar Stangra – Hymns of the Broken Worlds

Tsar Stangra – Hymns of the Broken Worlds              8.5/10

Bulgarian Black/Folk metal band/collective Цар Стангра (Tsar Stangra) are an enigma within the extreme metal underground. Their music is truly of a cultural  view that combines the harshness of modern black metal with pure Belgium tradition.  Химните на разрушените светове (Hymns of the Broken Worlds) is their second full length release that continues the odyssey.

Hymns of the Broken Worlds is an album that is tinged with moment of great melody along with and pure rock n roll. Some of the traditional moments such as the lively ‘’Cherna pesen ‘’ move with such a sense of purpose and energy that is part rock n roll part celebration. The multiple vocals of Последният поход (The Final March) is purefolk glory, whilst Тъга за Юг (Longing for the South) is as eminently catchy as it is cold and uncompromising. For all the up-tempo moments there is a lingering melancholy and a darkness that runs through the album.   The vicious vocal attack combined with the tradition hymns and poems, makes for a thrilling journey along with some exemplary guitar work and a multitude of traditional instruments with multiple layered vocals and melodies that move and adapt with the dynamics of the mood and the tale.

Described as “symbolically aligned with the celebration of July Morning, freedom, and Rock and Roll.”   Hymns of the Broken Worlds is part celebration part reverie. It is an album that is daring and incredible memorable. It will take many listens to fully engage and appreciate the subtleties of their work whilst its immediacy is beyond doubt. And exciting and uncompromising record in equal measure. Recommended.

https://tsarstangra.bandcamp.com/album/--6