Varhara hails from the impressive St. Petersburg metal scene and their soundscapes stem from the inspirational pond that also has brought us Olhava, TRNA, Somn, Show Me a Dinosour etc. Since forming in 2019 they have released two singles and one full length (2021) and this summer, June 20th, will see the release of their new album, The first breath after. We are more than happy to give you a first taste of it!
Here at Veil of Sound we have been given the thankful task of premiering the first video that accompanies the first new song released from the album. It is called “Burial”. It is a perfect companion to the music; it is dark, eerie and captivating as it reflects the music, especially the desperate sorrow that emanates from the wretched hoarse growls.
As with other bands from aforementioned scene, they have their distinct sound and, if you know the band from before, you will notice on this song that they have taken their Atmospheric Black Metal-induced music further into the Atmospheric realms of both Post- and Black Metal. The song has lingering moody sounds provided by the guitars above the massive, weighty rhythm section. The song opens with a slow and patient pace with bright guitars forming a melody. And here we are with the core of this kind of music from the western edge of Russia; no matter how heavy, sludgy, raw and rough the music seems, there is always a captivating melody somewhere in there and it shimmers beautifully.
That is also the case here where the ponderous rhythm section, often at blast rhythm speed, provides the heaviness and when glimmering guitars soar above them in intricate layers of sound, sometimes with a hint of distorted tremolo hidden deep within (or underneath if you prefer). It is so well done and it gives us a taste of what is to come on June 20 via These Hands Melt. We will certaninly review it, so follow these pages. If you want to preorder the record, keep an eye open on the Bandcamp page of These Hands Melt or also on Varhara’s Bandcamp!
