(Sound Age Productions)

Release Date: 2009
Origin: Russia

Druzhina is a new band that was created in the summer of 2006. They are from Russia, but one of their members comes from France, something that explains why there are some French titles and lyrics in their songs. In 2008 they released their debut album “Echoes of Distant Battles” with Sound Age Productions, the label that also released this new work. Their first work was a surprisingly good album of melodic black metal with many symphonic elements, so I was really looking forward for their second release.

“Kosmonoetika” is a very special album. First of all it has a very different and more underground sound from the majority of symphonic extreme metal bands. Unlike their debut that had a more solid sound with many synths accompanying their songs, this time everything is more separated. Also they have many more influences and new elements in their music. There are parts where they play raw pagan black metal and then they change into ambient parts, piano interludes, symphonic epic extreme metal, acoustic music, folk pagan metal and even some soundtrack parts! Vocals are typical Russian brutal black metal ones, while some choirs are used in the background. The melodies of the keyboards are enchanting, adding a very epic atmosphere to the album. I can’t say that they play too skillfully, or that all these genres are merged with success, but the overall result is more than great! I honestly believe that this happens because each separate part is simply amazing! There are surely many technical flaws, but after a while, when you are dragged into the unique atmosphere of “Kosmonoetika”, nothing really matters. You just enjoy the MUSIC. The lyrics deal with esoteric search and are based upon ancient Russian tales.

Anyway, Druzhina isn’t the typical black metal band to suggest to someone, but if you like searching new bands that have something different to offer, don’t hesitate to check them. You will find really good music in this 52-minute album. Of course I believe that they can improve their production, since this type of music somehow “requires” it. “Kosmonoetika” is released by Sound Age Production in digipak version with a little too dark (in my opinion) illustration. If you want to check songs from both their works you can visit: http://www.myspace.com/druzhina

dimiarch