Originating in Belarus, but now spread throughout the world, Evoking Winds mixes dark Eastern European tales with fantasy and folklore. Their songs feature traditional blast beats, ghoulish vocals and are drenched in bleak unearthly tones. Songs lilt and sway and are coupled with sauntering countermelodies, as all are engulfed in blackened sheets of foreboding.
This may describe much of Black Metal, of which Evoking Winds is clearly a devotee. All the Black and Atmospheric Metal pieces are neatly placed, and a few personal flourishes are presented, but it doesn’t quite stand apart…at least not to their potential, in my opinion.
On the other end, the opener “Silent Dawn Pt 1,” a wonderous poetic excursion, is exceptional. “Silent Dawn Pt 2,” with its brief Medieval slants and delicious basslines, is mesmerizing. And a personal favorite, “Echoes” features an all too brief use of pristine clean vocals. They really should expound on this.
Overall, ‘Silent Dawn’ is good, but not great. Some definite standout moments and worthy of at least a couple of spins. When you find your favorites, revisit and enjoy them as I have. Since the band’s members are scattered about, I am curious what their respective locations and perspectives would bring to the mix. Perhaps we’ll find out soon.
