Often in black metal, demos are much more than demos; they’re
basically lo-fi albums or EPs. However, Przebudzic
ze Snu, the very first recording by Polish black metalers Gontyna Kry is
most definitely a true demo. This is an
extremely brief and shoddy recording that still manages to hint at the band’s
untapped potential.
The production actually isn’t too bad for this kind of
recording. It is very raw and there is a decent amount of hiss, but all the
instruments are audible. The vocals, guitars and drums are well balanced and
the bass… well I don’t think there is any bass. On a few occasions there appear
to be gaps in the recording, but otherwise this is a good example of how to
record black metal on a budget.
The album consists of three tracks. The first track is an
instrumental piece for multiple guitars (I count three). The guitars weave
deliciously melodic harmonies, creating a web of melodic bliss. Sadly the track
is only one minute. The second track is an epic piece of black metal in the
vein of Master’s Hammer circa Ritual.
There is a beautiful but anxious lead that eventually progresses to a violent
middle passage (in which the drummer aimlessly beats the shit out of his drum
kit) before returning to a more melodious tone at the end. The vocals are
prominent and are a similar in style to Varg on the early Burzum albums. The
final track is a folk piece that layers more harmonic electric guitar atop
jangly acoustic guitar. It’s a mere forty-five seconds, but what a beautiful
forty-five seconds it is!
For such a short recording, Gontyna Kry does well. The intro
and outro definitely make the listener want to hear more and though the central
track has its flaws, it is strong enough to peak the listener’s curiosity. That
is ultimately what a demo should accomplish. So all in all Przebudzic ze Snu is a job well done.
Overall: 6/10
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