Grai – ‘Ashes’ (2017)
Rating: 9/10
Release: 1 December 2017
Label: Noizgate Records
So this week I have the honor of reviewing “Ashes” from Grai. Grai is a great band from Tatarstan, Russia. The word “Grai” translates roughly to,” the birds cry”, and Their songs tell stories of the pride , valor and courage of the people of Russia. From their beginning Grai seems to be on a similar path to Arkona, mixing traditional instruments and folk rhythms with metal growls and thunder and in “Ashes “, it seems to have found a very nice balance. There is a beautiful darkness that fills the album and hovers in the background throughout. Opening the album the symphonic rock of, “Haze”, sets the stage for the tragic stories of love and life that will follow. “Song of dead winter” kicks in with metal guitars and flute and features both the growls of Yuri and the ethereal cleans of Irina Zybina. It’s a balance that continues through the next few tracks adding in some great mouth harp from Yuri and some dark melodic guitar as well. Changes in tempo, instrumental flourishes and mixed vocal styles help to propel the music from track to track and the overall feel is very folky but modern as well. The band has crafted a special listening experience here and the songs never feel stale or repetitive.” Donya”, is sad and melancholic. “Tread of winter” is dark and yet uplifting.” Shade “has almost an industrial metal feel and then adds in eastern rhythms and flutes becoming something all its own. However, it is in the final third of the album that Grai really kicks in their best work for me.” Ashes”. is lovely with its acoustic guitar and clean vocals from Zybina and Aliya, capped by a nice electric solo it is a highlight of the album. “Fortress” is my favorite track. Acoustic guitars and violins along with male and female clean vocals make for a relaxing beginning giving way to a bit of thunder and oh those whistles and flute… leaves me stunned. “Farewell” , continues in a similar manner making me wish that the album was twice as long. The cover song” Pir Threontai” closes the album with a bang. I think this album is well crafted and mixed and it makes me want to wander through Grai’s back catalog to see what I’ve been missing. Well done. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Tracklist
- Haze
- Song Of Dead Water
- A Water Well
- Darkness With Me
- Donya
- Tread Of Winter
- Shade
- Ashes
- Fortress
- Farewell
- … Pir Threontai (cover Rotting Christ)