Intent on exploring every crag and fissure of the human experience, ZATOKREV have been ever firm in their resolve to dive headlong into the murky waters of consciousness and the subsequent experiences gained in those explorations.  Ambitious and impulsive, but never careless. A primordial force has beckoned the sounds created by this Basel based group, emerging from the fecund Earth like water from a spring eternal. After all the detritus of pain, time, and letting go has been slogged through, 2025 sees ZATOKREV return with an immense and immersive new album: "Bring Mirrors To The Surface" obliterates the past and conjures a future previously unimagined, pleading with humanity to remember the power of the will and the Imagination.

The album has eight songs, and "Red Storm" is first. At first, there is tension, and it's followed by a slow, crushing riff that seems to descend into the depths of the earth. The harsh vocals are just as nasty. Psychedelic elements slide in, and the vocals ascend to raspy screams, while the heavy thud of bass notes hold down the bottom. "Blood" is even more dangerous, and the punishing opening tones lessen just a bit with the vocals. This type of temperance makes the hardened moments that more memorable. It spends some time in the fields with the flowers, but doesn't notice that they are blackened with a sickness. "The Only Voice" roars out of the gates like a rabid dog who hasn't been fed in weeks, yet it brings a side of melody with it. The contrast between aggression and melody is quite striking.

"Unwinding Spirits" enters with somber tones, and the landscape that the band paints is one of unending desolation. It wallows for much of the song, buried in a deep pain that can't be broken. "Faint" is shorter, faster, and more energetic. It's as if they man held hostage by the snow and ice covered lands suddenly gets a second win and turns angry, resolving to do something about his situation and screaming to the Gods. "Changes" rattles with the sound of metal parts scraping into others, and the vocals are raging screams. Much of the song stays rooted in a depressive sound, with occasional peaks of anger. "Pearl Eyes" is the final short offering on the album, and it's full again with a depressive rage. The way that the band combines these two things is impressive.

"Deep Dark Turns Green" closes the album, and the final tones are devastating. Both the vocals and the music reflect a deep pain…the kind that once it sinks in takes root. Approaching the halfway mark however, it finally seems to lessen, and tones of hope spring. Overall, this was an excellent release. The weighted tones were crushing, as was the feeling on your back. The band wants you to carry these burdens with you forever, and remind you how heavy and painful they are.