Romanian black metal pioneers Negură Bunget pay homage to the legacy of drummer and mastermind Gabriel “Negru” Mafa releasing the final album “Zău” which rightfully symbolizes a labour of devotion and the culmination of a mesmerizing sonic vision.
“Brad” instantly feels like a mystical journey as the traditional instruments and the cinematic keyboards layers craft an eerie atmospheric grandeur ultimately leading to an impeccable blend of harsh rhythmic patterns and somber melodic guitar progressions while the finale conveys a pale peacefulness featuring ethereal female vocals and dreamy harmonies.
The enchanting flutes of “Iarba Fiarelor” take you far away to a forgotten misty forest and the soothing atmospheric waves gradually evolve into a darker sonic realm as the untamed guitar riffs and the ravenous growls channel a primordial blackened force.
On “Obrăzar” the lush atmospheric arrangements evoke the stark beauty of Transylvanian landscapes and continue to enrich the inflamed rhythmic ensemble fueled by the aggressive drumming and the ominous guitar tonalities.
Within the transcendental atmosphere of “Tinerețe Fără Bătrânețe” the frantic rhythmic section unleashes faster obscure patterns while the slower intricate guitar progressions evoke grim feelings amplified by a theatrical vocal delivery.
“Toacă Din Cer” begins with hypnotizing tribal percussion and unfolds like an arcane legend through the darkened allure of the guitar work effortlessly shifting from savage riffs to grave phrases while the traditional instruments create a cathartic finale.
As Negură Bunget carefully crafts the final chapter of the majestic “Transylvanian Trilogy” and a memorable tribute to Gabriel “Negru” Mafa the listeners will inevitably feel compelled to join the spiritual voyage perfectly embodied by “Zău”.