Band:	Grima
Album:	Rotten Garden
Style:	Atmospheric black metal
Release date:	January 22, 2021
A review by:	X-Ray Rod

01. Cedar And Owls
02. Mourning Comes At Sunset
03. At The Foot Of The Red Mountains
04. Old Oak
05. Rotten Garden
06. Grom
07. Devotion To Lord [bonus]

Ever felt that exhilarating sensation when a strong, cold wind faces you head on and you take a deep breath? For most of the time, this album feels just like that.

Since their inception in 2014, Grima has been able to pump out albums on a regular 2-year interval, slowly but surely gaining momentum, which resulted in the Russian twin brothers getting a nomination in our Metal Storm Awards for Best Melodic Black Metal Album back in 2019 with Will Of The Primordial. Two years and a pandemic later, the duo is back, reminding us that nature holds a power that we can never attain.

The artwork with oak-masked figures looking down in deep contemplation and the somber album title (let's not forget one of the most gorgeous logos in the genre) make for an ideal starting point in describing this opus. Rotten Garden is melancholic black metal on the verge of flirting with DSBM but with a pagan cloak on top of it to keep it balanced. The album is often mid-paced, with great focus on beautiful melodies through energizing solos. Folk influences are hinted by well-placed acoustic passages, as well as some accordion that can be heard a couple of times throughout the record, giving the whole product a nostalgic feeling. But the sorrowful vibe of the album takes a more violent turn once the blizzards take the form of massive wall of riffs, vibrant keyboards and bombastic drumming.

None of these elements are more violent than the vocals though. Vilhelm gives an incredible performance, truly unleashing the unforgiving fury of a wounded Mother Earth. His high-pitched screams are ever so thunderous. When they are mixed with deep, bestial growls on top, Grima creates an atmosphere that is truly monstrous.

Rotten Garden pays homage to the elder woods in a loud manner that demands attention. The title track is definitely the main highlight on this record. At over 10 minutes, it's the longest track the duo has written so far. A solid proof that Grima has developed nicely in the songwriting department and further establishes itself as an act worth keeping tabs on.

Hear the cry of the woods, for it seeks revenge.