Album Review: Batushka – Царю Небесный (Witching Hour Productions)

Batushka doesn’t slow down. Six months after the release of the last studio material, the band returns with a new concept mini-album entitled “Царю Небесный” (Carju Niebiesnyj / Heavenly King).

“Царю Небесный” is the beginning of the prayer in the Old Church Slavonic / церковнославянский language that band use with regional language. The six-track release is a follow-up to the band’s last year EP “Raskol”. It will be released on the 19th March 2021 via Witching Hour Productions.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Batushka are still driving forth with their heavily-atmospheric laden black metal sound as though conquering the world is a formality. This mini-album has all the gargantuan sounds that most have come to expect from the mysterious black metallers. As well as an intense and high level of scarring brutality and virulent heaviness.

Split into 6 numbered sections, all called Pismo, Batushka build haunting atmosphere up from the very first part all the way though to the end. Layering that grandiose sound with a rawer black metal edge. Stuff that captures the heresy the band exudes in what is an intriguing and detailed listen.

Forceful chunkiness that stands out (Pismo II and Pismo III), post touches that make for a more discerning listen (Pismo IV) and cold melodies dripping in ancient vibes (Pismo V). At nearly half an hour long, there’s no shortage of Batushka on offer here. It’s the band moving forward with all their might and it will take strong resolve to not be swept up in the storm.

Batushka – Царю Небесный Full Track Listing:

1. Pismo I
2. Pismo II
3. Pismo III
4. Pismo IV
5. Pismo V
6. Pismo VI

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Witching Hour Productions