From the cold mountain river of the Ukrainian wilderness by which this band takes their name comes Forgotten By Ages, a chilling collection of atmospheric black metal pieces by the trio known as Stryvigor. This is the debut album, and it's quite a good one at that, as it appears that Svarga Music have a real find on their hands. Formed in 2012 by Khladogard (guitars) and Dusk (vocals), the duo were soon joined by Rungvar (drums) and the band was complete. Much like the famous river known as Stryvigor relentlessly flows through the impressive Carpathian mountains, so does the powerful music of the band Stryvigor. Alternating between haunting, atmospheric soundscapes seeping with elements of nature, to more pummeling black metal fare inundated with blast beats, tremolo picked guitar riffs, and evil vocal rasps, the listener gets a lot of bang for their buck throughout Forgotten By Ages. "Wherever the Stars..." also contains some delicately placed keyboard work behind the fury for a great effect, and the orchestral backdrop of "Wings of Sorrow" adds a majestic feel to this otherwise raging black metal track, reminding a bit of classic Borknagar. If you like pure ferocity in your black metal, there's the manic "Memory of Ages", and the alluring "To Heroes" combines all these elements into one highly progressive tune that shows off all the bands talents. The instrumental title track is a delight, and one that will turn the head of any prog rock lover.
Overall, Forgotten By Ages is a very impressive debut from a band we are no doubt going to hear a lot from in the months and years ahead. Fans of Borknagar, Dimmu Borgir, Drudkh, Khors, and Enslaved will surely enjoy the heck out of this one.
Track Listing
1) In the Icy Embrace of North
2) Mysteries of Darkness
3) Wherever the Stars...
4) Wings of Sorrow
5) Memory of Ages
6) By Paths of Universe
7) To Heroes
8) Forgotten By Ages
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