This is the second output from Belorussian one man band known as Vietah. Previous work,Zorny Maroz, was also released by Russian label, Stygian Crypt Productions back in 2008.
As we say in our business, Smalisty Zah picked up where the beginning album left off. The bluish grey cover scenic introduces the listener to a somber, but melodious, opus of black metal. No blast beat, Satanism or furiousness included on this disc. I don't understand Russian as such, but I can safely asses this album is more of a philosophical and nature inspired work of music. Desolate and cold scenery is all over the booklet. This is labeled as atmospheric black metal, and for good reasons. On Smalisty Zah, distorted arpeggios, crushing riffs and ambient keyboards accompany the deep raspy vocals of solitary artist, Antarctis. I believe a drum machine was used, although it is far from being a negative point since it was well programmed all along. The production is also of good taste. The rawness of the distorted guitar does not interfere with the melodiousness of this work, and we can still decipher the musical aspect over the buzz itself. As it is frequently the case with music coming from this part of the world, a melancholic feel is omnipresent on this release. Six of the compositions are original music, while closing track, "Kvintesiencyja (Quintessence) is a Darkthrone cover done with Byelorussian language. I enjoyed listening this new work from Vietah quite a bit and the stands out pieces are: the epic "Zmjarcvielyja Krajavidy Praz Smaljany Prozirk Krumkacha", "Pavolny Paljot Pa-nad Ljasnym Kurganom", "Vosienskija Spadarozniki U Noez" and the instrumental "Paslja Paunocznaja Ciszynja".
If you liked Zorny Maroz and atmospheric black metal, then by all means get this new output from Vitah.
Track listing:
1. Zmjarcvielyja Krajavidy Praz Smaljany Pozirk Krumkacha
2. Smalisty Zah
3. Pavolny Paljot Pa-nad Ljasnym Kurganom
4. Vosienskija Spadarozniki U Nocz
5. Zdzjajsniennie
6. Paslja Paunocznaja Ciszynja
7. Kvintesiencyja (Quintessence)
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