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Austrian Graumahd’s debut appearance, no less than on HauRuck! Hardly any surprise when Jörg B. was guitarist on Der Blutharsch’s latest album. All three members perform guitar, with two accompanying musicians on cello and flute, and it is the guitars that shine the brightest here.

Apocalyptic neofolk, there’s a head-turner and as much as it is sad to include Graumahd into this closeted expression they are without doubt revived, yet modern, dark folk. Acoustic guitars dance saltant steps of melody, arpeggios and open notes ring mournfully. As the gravel bar-room lyrics stomp so too the guitars blister frenzied chords in time with the sodden weight of deep drum. Guitar solos sneak in during the breaths between, classical fragments ruins of the inherited world, and it is these same instruments that determine the meter and mood overall, one of dolorous reflection.

Three vocalized tracks and one instrumental give this small slip of vinyl almost an EP quality, highly recommended, no doubt it will be snatched up by the legion of neofolk acolytes.

NYR