From Bandcamp, “on “Nomad,“ their seventh full-length album, DARKESTRAH venture further on their chosen path of Epic Shamanic Black Metal. Sharp Black Metal riffing and traditional Central Asian melodies, verses from Kyrgyz epic poetry and visions of spiritual quests are all woven into the fabric of this new opus. With a new line-up consisting of long-term veterans and fresh blood the Band has never been in better shape.” The album has seven songs.

“Journey Through Blue Nothingness” is first, and it’s a short introduction. Cold winds blow over a bed of acoustic guitars and vocal moans, leading to “Kök-Oy,” which has a dark and sturdy sound out of the gate. The vocals are tense at first, and become angry later, as the background is thick with sonority. The sound seems to grow even more despondent as it moves along, like experiencing an endless week of grey days. “Nomad” is another lengthy song. It has depressive string notes to go along with the tortured vocals, and some other instruments that round out the song. The entire piece is epic, in terms of the impression it leaves on the listener.

“Destroyer of Obstacles” roars out at you like a truck barreling through a gate, and there is a nice mix of the vile hatred of Black Metal with the downtrodden feelings of hopelessness that comes with Doom. “Quest for the Soul” has a distinct hasty quality it to it and the background is rounded out with symphonic elements. On this quest, one must be willing to lay down their life for the cause, and the energy of the song reflects this revelation. “The Dream of Kojojash” is a shorter song with an overwhelming sense of dread that just piles on top of you like never-ending torture. “A Dream That Omens Death” closes the album, and it brings back the opening sound.

Overall, this was a solid album. Black Metal elements blend smoothly with Doom elements until as a listener, you aren’t sure how to feel. On one hand, blinding rage, and on the other, utter despair. It is these types of feelings that the album imparts.