Dzherelo marks the debut release from the Ukrainian Viter, issues through Casus Belli Musica. This four song release does well at it's Folk Metal approach, but also carries with it a strong nature/Pagan feel with it as well for an approach that isn't unlike many in this style, but gives a rather unique feel to the material sometimes to help the band stand out a little more. But, is that all that makes this release shine?
Luckily, no. Dzherelo starts off a little slow with the opening title track, but while it takes a little while to kick in, the running water effect utilized in the start sounds so clear and relaxing, working well for the music that follows. The track itself carries the atmosphere well, but also has a very dark and heavy feel to it that many would say borders a Doom Metal feel. Sadly, this burdening feeling doesn't follow with the rest of the album, but the atmosphere continues to stay rich as you continue. "Sny Hmar" is a fantastic example, having a whimsical Pagan feel to it through the excellent use of traditional folk instruments to set up the feeling that you are sitting at a campfire at night, listening to the music of our ancestors in the night in the thickest of forests.
"Dzherelo" and "Sny Hmar" feature a fantastic atmosphere to them, which makes it's way into the start of "Vydrizh" prior to the actual song kicking in, but outside of these instrumental-like moments, the songs themselves focus around a traditional Folk Metal sound that only slightly incorporates the instruments associated with it instead of utilizing them to the full potential they already have been on the two aforementioned tracks. Of course, this doesn't hinder the music, as the songs here are solid, but seem a little misguided is all. "Dzherelo", as stated, has more of a Doom Metal vibe going on to it, "Krov Tikae" is more upbeat and comes off as a traditional Folk song with metal incorporated, and then "Vydrizh" seems a mix of both the Folk atmosphere and metal style and random Black Metal moments, prodominantly in the drumming.
Even though the music does seem to jump around a little bit from track to track, it's all in the same vein in the end, and all carry the same kind of atmosphere to them. There's honestly nothing wrong with this release other then that it's an EP, as the material here will leave you wanting to hear more from Viter then just these four tracks. The ambience used on this release is breathtaking, and the music on the release is often soothing, with exception to the faster paced "Krov Tikae" outside of it's ambient moments. Dzherelo winds up being a very impressive debut for this band, showing some great musical talent for the Folk field, both with the overall presentation, and Viter's ability to write solid Folk Metal tracks, as well as a release that is worth going out of your way to experience if you're a fan of this style.
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