Maiestrit
(Prophecy Productions)
75:25min
NEGURA BUNGET’s most important aim has never changed over the years – the transfer of the majestic and dark side of mother nature into music. Several years have passed since the release of their fabulous "Om" record, the band toured intensively throughout Europe with impressed audiences everywhere but with "Maiestrit" the story ends. The band split up during 2009 – with a totally different understanding within the band what split up means – and everything which remains from the original line up are a discography full of outstanding releases and their final piece of art – the re-recording / new interpretation of their "Maiastru Sfetnic" release. In comparing the new version with the Bestial Records version (originally released in 2000) you will only partly succeed because the original songs are like ruins surrounded by misty shadows – only partly visible. What the new version could not change is the enormous quality of songs like "In Zvicnirea Apusului". The effect of the "rusty sickle" – my personal interpretation of this effect – gives this ten minute song a special place within the whole NEGURA BUNGET cosmos. The bonus tracks in form of 2 accoustic versions are furthermore the best proof that there is no need for vocals to create a breathtaking atmosphere. As usual for the Prophecy family is this release – next to the normal digipak version – also available in a strictly limited art-box full of supporting pictures etc. "Maiestrit" shows again why this Rumanian band deserves such a special place within the whole Black Metal scene and also in my own heart but nevertheless it’s also a moment to accept the fact that NEGURA BUNGET are gone and everything which remains is bleak silence. More info at www.prophecy.cd, www.myspace.com/negurabunget
Matthias Auch