Борозна обірвалася (A FURROW CUT SHORT)

Drudkh's finest release in years, A Furrow Cut Short is a throwback to the band's Forgotten Legends/Autumn Aurora style, but with the added maturity that an additional 12 years' worth of musicianship brings. The album is Drudkh's longest release to date, and the songs are of suitable scale to match; only one track is shorter than seven minutes in length, and only two are below eight. The songwriting is some of Drudkh's strongest in years, possibly since Estrangement or Blood in Our Wells, and the performances are consistently compelling throughout.

The uninitiated should be warned that this is unapologetically a black metal release, so people who aren't fond of blast beats, tremolo picking, harsh vocals, and other hallmarks of the genre won't find a lot to like here. But for those who are fond of the style, this is a superb black metal release with some progressive hallmarks that offers a lot of rewards for listeners.