Korium — Strážcovia Hradu (Full Tape)

Artist: Korium Release: Strážcovia Hradu Label: Hexencave Productions Year: 2015 Country: Slovakia 1. Strážcovia Hradu, pt.I 0:00 2. Spomienka 16:24 3. Strážcovia Hradu, 28:14 4. Erblicket die Tochter des Firmaments (Burzum cover) 49:11 The brilliant swan song tape from Korium, a once-prolific guitarist from the Slovakian black metal scene. The tape’s title translates to “Guardians of the Castle”, and the original material on the tape is bookended by two epic compositions sharing that same name, the second of which stands out to me as one of finer examples of the many modern, more melodic and depressive reinventions of BBH-ish riff and songcraft. The middle track “Spomienkia” (Reminiscence) is a shorter but equally satisfying song, and the emotive Burzum cover at the end rounds out the tape (and the artist’s career) by paying a fitting homage to an undeniably vivid inspiration of this whole scene. Released originally on cassette in a run of 66 by Hexencave Productions in 2015, this tape is still easily attainable on Discogs for interested parties (as is its CD repress via War Against Yourself). All rights belong to the label and artist; this video will be promptly deleted upon request.