Rating: 8.8/10
Release: 21 January 2021
Label: Independent

From the intro, Alkonost shows us the experience and trajectory they have in the genre and gives us a taste of what this new full-length has: a quiet beginning, strong music, powerful interpretations, and a lot of folk-metal.

Well-designed structural changes and very well-developed melodies are the heart of the 13th work of the well-known Russian band, an album that goes by the name “Driven by the Wind”. This wind and its secret power that carries words, propels ships, and fans the flames, will be the one that takes us along to the good music that lies on the album, where the guitars and the voice of Ksenia Pobuzhanskaya are the undisputed protagonists. And let’s not forget the featuring of Petri Lindroos (Ensiferum) in “Bird”.

As for the individual tracks, “Tam, Gde Zhivut vetra” is going to stick with you for a while for its catchy sound. And the version of “Vedma” has a strength that I can’t find in the Voronia version – a very beautiful song that you should also know if you liked Alkonost’s interpretation.

Maybe some transitions between songs didn’t sound so natural to me, but let’s remember that you’re not always going to be listening to the album in order – something that has been lost a lot lately, but that with good albums and concept records it is a necessary experience. I also felt some instruments in “Lenta Na Vetru” a bit far away but nothing that prevented me from enjoying the music.

Don’t go against the wind and listen to my advice. Listen to this album and let yourself be carried away by its excellent quality.

My favorites: “Dolgaya Noch” and “Bird”.

Tracklist

1. Intro (Gimn Vetru) 02:10
2. Tam, gde zhivut vetra 05:39
3. Lenta na vetru 04:46
4. Dolgaya noch 04:40
5. Parus 04:31
6. Voin slova 05:04
7. Vedma (Voronia cover) 04:23
8. Prorochestvo 04:03
9. Pesnya sily 03:56
10. Bird 04:18