Zgard - Contemplation

For the past four years, one-man Ukrainian band ZGARD has been patiently developing an intensely personal vision of pagan-oriented black metal. Now, with the release of the fourth album "Contemplation," ZGARD mastermind Yaromisl has perfected his craft, showing a rawer yet no-less-grandiose side that vividly illustrates the Carpathian mysticism at the heart of that craft. Compared to its celebrated predecessors, 2012's "Reclusion" and 2013's "Astral Glow," ZGARD here goes for an atmosphere that's less cosmic and more organic, stirring both bloodlust and majesty within the listener as Yaromisl guides each of the seven tracks along an epic path. As always, the native folk touches are at the forefront but never threaten to overwhelm. As a title, then, "Contemplation" is more than fitting