Since the end of the communist dictatorship in the final years of the 80's, Russia became a warehouse for very good Metal bands, with particular features that can be found only there. And these features can be heard on the new release from Russian quartet EPITIMIA, for "Thread" ("Нитьn" on the band's native language) shows them clearly. "Thread" is an Atmospheric/Post Black Metal, what means that you can find clean moments inspired by Folk Music contrasting with Black Metal aggressive elements. In a poor comparison, it's like old (and good works) from ALCEST could be played by a melodic Black Metal band. But these words don't mean that the band doesn't have a personality, because they have it a lot.

The sound quality of the album is a blend of the essential Black Metal nasty instrumental tunes with a clean insight that guided the producer (and the band, of course) to breed something that could be nasty and filthy, but with the conscience that the listeners must understand what the band is playing. The sonority of "Thread" is very good and fits on what the band's musical work, but it could be better.

The quartet uses very long songs to express itself musically, and taking out the Folk acoustic intro "Вступление" (that is beautiful with these clean guitars), the contrast of introspective beauty and harsh aggressiveness show on "Падение (Downfall)" (with very good nasty vocals and guitars), and the oppressive and raw scent of "Юдоль (Vale of Tears)" are the best songs from the album. But "Немощь (Infirmity)" and "Древо (The Tree)" are very good songs as well, deserving a careful listening. We can say that "Thread" is a very good album that will satisfy EPITIMIA's fans, but some non-radical extreme Metal fans will like it a lot as well.