TYAKRAH - GERMANY

TYAKRAH – WINTERGEDANKEN – SATANATH  
Tyakrah is introduced to the metal scene by Satanath Records as a black metal band, but one cannot detect any Satanic or devil worshipping elements in the act’s lyrics. What the band is instead, however, is an atmospheric, occasionally doomy, often extreme metal act that creates a cold aura around winter. Wintergedanken is German for ‘Thoughts Around Winter.’ This is the band’s debut album and the duo with the drum machine has some ways to go in the instrument proficiency department. As mentioned, however, this disc is more about ambiance and creating a mood. The vocals, as scarce as they are as the band focuses on the music, could become extreme, but past the wailing guitars Tyakrah is most instrumental, mostly cold and conceptual in its presentation. The band and label have done a decent job of creating a whole thematic package that will speak to Agalloch fans, but musically this is not competitively compelling. – Ali “the Metallian”