The other day I had a conversation with a friend about music that genuinely scared me. I mentioned “Black Sabbath” by BLACK SABBATH and then “Dead Skin Mask” by SLAYER before listing off a slew of Black Metal ritual performance bands. With that last category you’re always on edge that you might accidentally summon Cthulhu while innocently trying to get your jam on. When I read the promo notes for NYTT LAND’s upcoming album, Songs of the Shaman, released May 16 via Prophecy Productions, I had the same nagging fear.

Allow me to quote: “On their album Songs of the Shaman, NYTT LAND interpret traditional shamanic songs or spells of Siberia's Manchu–Tungus ethno-linguistic groups. These songs use ancient musical techniques such as throat singing and drums and they were recorded in their original language. The latter was done to preserve the power that lies in the sound and the phonetics as well as the rhythm of the texts.”

Didn’t anyone see Evil Dead or that 1970’s movie called Equinox? This is how you open portals to hell or get a terminal case of haunted as fuck.  

I should note that the band does clarify that “this collection of primordial magic in the shape of songs summoning spirits, incantations, and wards has been carefully selected and deliberately excludes spells that are aimed at causing harm.” Uhm.

But I do love me some NYTT LAND, so what the hell, I’ll risk it.

For the uninitiated, NYTT LAND formed in 2013 by husband-and-wife duo Natalya and Anatoly Pakhalenko in the Western Siberian town Kalachinsk on the banks of River Om. Their discography is as large as it is esoteric, which to me just adds to their charm. There is just so much to get lost in. Also, Siberia. Nothing says cold-ass legit Ritualistic Nordic Folk as Siberia, Russia.  

Songs of the Shaman comprises ten tracks and has a full run time of 34 minutes. It’s more of a full sequential listening experience than a shuffle thing, though I’m sure those practiced in the arts will find individual tracks to suit individual rituals or meditations as needed. From a simple listener’s experience, I enjoyed the simple yet compelling rhythms of “Eikule Yekule,” the brightness of “Hoge Yage,” eclectic movements interwoven in “Ara Kor,” and the soothing richness of “Hobage Yebage.” “Demon Slayer” had me on the edge of my seat just waiting for something to drop . . . but it never did. We’ll see what shows up at 3 a.m. tonight.

Whatever brings you to NYTT LAND, I hope you enjoy your visit. Always spellbinding with their raw and earthy spirit, Natalya and Anatoly again deliver an entrancing performance with Songs of the Shaman.