From their EPK, “"Wounded and grim, it will carry letters to the future for those who come after us. “𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳” – this is the title of our eighth full-length album. We began working on it back in 2021 and completed it during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the racist scum. These letters also carry the voices of those whose time stopped forever in 2022." KHORS is one of Ukraine's pioneering black metal bands, with eight full-length albums, several compilations, and DVDs to their name. Formed in August 2004 in Kharkiv by seasoned musicians from the Ukrainian underground metal scene, KHORS has become one of the most influential acts to emerge from the country.”

The album has eight songs, and “On the Wings of Despair and Burning Enmity” is first. The song begins with a slow and solemn sound, but when the advent of harsh vocals, anger and aggression replaces them. From there, is a good combination of both anger and despair. “Extinct Candles of Dead Cities” has some Gothic undertones and other backing sounds in its soundtrack of absolute depression and despair. The vocals are tortured and paint a picture of desperation. “Beyond the Darkness” is another terribly tortured sound, which the band seems to be good at. The music isn’t soulless per se, but its delivery is devastating to the listener.

“Another Year” seems to take the feeling of eternal grey and drag it out even more. Marking the atrocities of war, it proves that their collective fire to fight oppression is still very strong. “Perseverance is the Essence (Forever 25)” has an angry bite to it and plenty of resolve. It’s like a statement that you can destroy our people and our country, but we are still here, and willing to give our lives. “Zmiyevi Valy” has deeper angles, more weight, and even more of a background of torture. If you aren’t listening closely, you might miss the subtle backing elements that support the song. They drip with despair and hatred.

“Freezing Touch of Siren” has a stronger undertone of rage, and the will to fight. The way that the riff and drums chug together is like a runaway freight train that jumped the tracks…there is nothing standing in its way. “Gods are Watching” is a loaded statement, but if you believe in a higher power, you must know that is true. Bass notes rumble deep, and the foundation that they oppressors built is crumbling brick by brick. You can hear the vocals reflecting that even though they are in the band’s native language. It almost sounds like a deity himself singing those words, and they cut though clouds, shadows, mountains, and flesh.

As a Westerner, it is easy for me to forget the freedom I am granted. People who oppose sending aid to Ukraine forget that when one tyrant is permitted to run loose without consequence, every country is in danger. Your opponent clearly outweighs you, but your courage is tenfold stronger. It’s a soundtrack to the horrors of war, but more importantly, the resolve of the human spirit.