TRNA – Istok
Release Date: 3rd September 2021
Label: Candlelight Records
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Genre: Celestial Blackgaze, Post Black Metal.
FFO: Deafheaven, Fellwarden, Fen, Wolves in the Throne Room.
Review By: Paul Cairney
Istok by Russian band TRNA is a surprising listen. Describing themselves as ‘Celestial Blackgaze’, their 4th album is a thing of beauty, letting you dive into its welcoming layers. Having made a name for themselves with independent releases, they have managed to snag themselves a place on the excellent Candlelight Records roster, so the pressure was on.
First thing to say is that this is, for the most part, an instrumental album. However, don’t let this fact put you off. It actually took me until the 3rd song to release there was no actual vocals. This can probably be put down to the fact that this track, Shining, features Portuguese band ‘Gaerea’ and is the only track to feature a vocal performance. Although this makes the song stand out on the album, it is not the standout track. TRNA even tag on the instrumental version at the end of the album, so you can decide if vocals improve or hinder the song. (There is a right and wrong answer!)
Title track, Istok, is as grandiose an album opener as you are likely to find, where you can easily find yourself lost in your own thoughts as the song cascades along with apparent ease. Another song to invoke similar feelings is the excellent Burning Bridges, Shattered Dreams, a song that defines the word ‘atmospheric’ in a musical context. It really is quite breathtaking at times.
Throughout the album, there are hints at numerous genres and bands. A few of the tracks remind me of British band, Fellwarden, especially from their debut album. There are also elements of pure shoegaze, as well as post rock and black metal. Fortunately, TRNA manage to blend these influences into a coherent, enjoyable album that should only serve to enhance the burgeoning reputation that persuaded Candlelight Records to sign them up.
In Istok, TRNA have introduced themselves into the mainstream and have released an album that can only serve to propel them forwards.
(3.5 / 5)
