Kurgan (US) - Ascetic Dissociations (Album 2023)

Finally, the return of Kurgan after a brilliant track on 2018’s excellent “Even Biology Is Revolting Despite its Natural Appeal“ compilation, where the band’s track was definitely one that stood out. Now, 5 years later, this trio formed by Citrinitas, Vatrya and Cynwrig, veterans of the Portland scene with great bands like Cirrhus, Grizelda, Kestrel, Furdidurke, etc, delivered what’s definitely one of the most promising records this year. Named after the ancient funerary monuments built by the early Indo-Europeans and later related peoples, such as the scythians, which are present all the way from the heart of Mongolia and the Altai mountains, to Bulgaria and even Greece, being a symbol of these ancient peoples, which are the cradle of many prosperous civilizations. Absolutely fantastic mid-paced Pagan Black Metal, done with proper devotion and highly inspired by the 90’s Central and Eastern European hordes, excellently balancing the more morose and nostalgic atmospheres, presenting the challenging cold and dreadful danger that lurked under the ferocious winds of the Caspian steppe, with the prideful melodicism and bravery of the ancient Scythian warriors and powerful galloping rhythms that march steadily towards a new horizon. To match this there is also a more proficient use of keyboards perfectly adding to the inhospitable and dark atmosphere this record creates. Something to be surely appreciated by fans of the Temple of the Fullmoon and BBH hordes, and recent acts like Grizelda, Fanebærer, Gauntlet Ring or Solar Cross. Mastered by the great Harald Mentor. Released on LP via CW Productions. CW Productions: Tracklist: 1 Station II 00:00 2 Taiga 01:45 3 Flooded Veins 07:28 4 Station III 11:23 5 Insolent Triumph 14:12 6 Station VII 17:32 7 Thorns’ Embrace 20:36 8 Station XI 28:22 All rights belong to Kurgan and CW Productions. Video will be deleted upon request.