TRUCHŁO STRZYGI
Album Review: Truchlo Strzygi – “Pora Umierac”
While Truchlo Strzygi may well be on a label dominated by black and death metal, it’s soon apparent this Polish outfit have a few punk-rock tendencies. Although that’s understandable, considering much of the early thrash metal follows the same DIY outlook.
Singing in their native Polish tongue, without a translator on hand I’m unable to decipher what “Pora Umierac” is all about. Although I do know the title translates as “Time to Die”. So, the chances are lyrically the album is of a similar nature.
The album artwork too follows that of DIY ethics. The cover a rough freehand drawing of a burial site/funeral, while inside the booklet notes are also written by hand with more rough sketches.
As for the contents of “Pora Umierac”, Truchlo Strzygi, again musically stay in keeping with the more lo-fi approach. While that often gives many early thrash albums a bit of an edge, likewise with the black metal scene, initially this particular release takes a bit of getting used to.
Truchlo Strzygi – “Pora Umierac” Out Now on: Godz Ov War Productions
The opening track “Apokaliptyzny Mtor” starts with a fairly cliché air raid siren, but it soon loses its impact due to the muddy production that follows. The rhythm sections all moulds into one big doomy mess, making it hard to focus. However, that said a few songs in and the band have started to grow on me a little.
After all, it’s easy to forget this is still that of an underground metal band. Especially one from a country that rarely breaks into the wider market place. Then again, I can’t imagine Truchlo Stryzgi are likely to be after world dominance.
With “Śmierć I Płomień“ I’ve grown more accustomed to the production, the drums kick in like a machine gun. It’s also the shortest song on the album and certainly maintains more of the punk element.
I’d be tempted to join in on the chanting during “Busola Do Nikąd” if I knew more polish. As an outsider in terms of narrative, I guess this is where it gains intrigue. I’m not entirely sure where lyrically the band are coming from, but the vocals do tend to stand out a lot. That said, if they were sung in English, Truchlo Strzygi would probably lose some of their appeal. Although one thing for certain, they wouldn’t disappear quietly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BJFC_HeafU
Truchlo Strzygi – “Pora Umierac” Out Now on Godz Ov War
Since this album, Truchlo Strzygi have also released a new EP last month.
