Reviewed by Ian Webber

Brimming with Slavic folk vibes, this duo from Macedonia have managed to produce a real melting pot of styles that I have found difficult to nail down. There is no doubting the musical talent on offer as Zarko Atanasov unleashes a deliciously progressive guitar riff to open up the proceedings. With this rhythmical chopping, he delivers the classiest moment on the recording. The extended intro then gives way to the female vocalist who lets rip with a tone that takes some getting used to. There is a haunting, gothic edge which verges on moaning. The lead in "Clarity" reflects this and sounds a little pitchy at times. "You Are Not Alone" is a measured, plodding track that dallies with doom metal and a Middle Eastern ambience. Throughout many of the tracks there is a foreboding feel, full of atmosphere which is created by the crystal clear production and mix of the instrumentation. "The Dawn Arises" is no exception and is lifted by some double peddled bass, but things on this eclectic recording stay pedestrian until "Death To The World". Marina sings in English on all the tracks and covers a range of Christian themes such as the presence of the Holy Spirit but her accent does not always suit the music. Whilst the seven tracks are littered with glimpses of quality, I found the majority of this recording difficult to access and would have enjoyed it more had the vocals drawn less attention to themselves.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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