Artist: Stangarigel
Country: Slovakia
Label: Hexencave Productions
Formats: LP / Cassette tape / CD
Year: 2022
Malokarpatan is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only have they released three excellent albums, the members of the Slovakian band are also active in several side projects. Recently Krolok released a spectacular sophomore album off the back of their already impressive debut album. And now it’s time for guitar player As, under the pseudonym of Lesodiv, to shine in Stangarigel. Together with drummer and vocalist Stalagnat, the duo presented their debut album ‘Na Severe Srdca’ in 2022, released through Hexencave Productions.
Stangarigel approaches Black Metal slightly differently than Malokarpatan, and much like Krolok they were heavily influenced by the early Satyricon record ‘The Shadowthrone’. But where ‘Na Severe Srdca’ takes a different turn is the incorporation of Folk elements, in a way that’s not that different from what Ulver produced on their stellar ‘Bergtatt’ debut album. This way, Stangarigel finds a place between Krolok and Malokarpatan, more Folk-based and nature-inspired than the first, and harsher and less Heavy Metal tinged than the latter. The result is equally captivating.
With lyrics inspired by the works of poet Ján Botto, who was often inspired by Slovak legends and folk tales, reverb-drenched growling Black Metal vocals accompany a musical landscape that alternates between more traditional Norwegian Black Metal and calmer breaks. A heavy dose of synths and acoustics give the music much of its Folky character, which is both epic and catchy, yet the raw essence of the Black Metal is never out of sight. Some of the many highlights include a beautiful acoustic break in ‘Mytogenéza bronzovej doby‘ that slowly builds to a powerful up tempo section. Or the somewhat more midpaced ‘Zasvätenie v slnovratnej hore’, one of the more epic tracks on the record. ‘Smaragdová koruna diabla’ is another track that captures the nature-driven aspect of the music best, featuring an intriguing section where snarling vocals provide an epic contrast with horn-like synthesizers. The album ends equally beautiful with ‘Poklad Tatier’, a song featuring subtle solos that are balanced against epic synthesizers.
There is not a bad minute to be found on ‘Na Severe Srdca’ and it once again shows the immense talent of the Slovakian scene revolving around Malokarpatan. The Stangarigel debut is a fine example of how local folklore and love for Black Metal and Heavy Metal in general can be married in entrancing unison.
