From Bandcamp, "Heavy, somber and ethereal - Zurich-based WAZZARA weave elements of doom, blackgaze and atmospheric black metal into their web of abysses and luminosity. Founded in 2015, WAZZARA offers untamed, hypnotizing and captivating sound experiences ever since. "Arbor" is dedicated to those who do not fear tasting the untamed fruit. Sapere aude." The album has eight songs, and "9 Confines" is first. The cold howl of winds leads off the song, followed by a low, slow and crushing riff, painting a desolate picture. The vocals rage and the mood shifts to anger, but the clean vocals bring it back to somber territory once again. "Hollow" comes out of the gate with a melancholy rage of sorts, and the slow moving pace sits like a rock in your stomach. Tension remains strong throughout the entire song, but just when you feel it might burst, it comes to an end.

"Her Ashes Down the River" begins with whispered spoken word, and eerie vocal chants. Something nefarious is at work. The wicked nature of the harsh vocals combined with the backing atmosphere certainly hint at this possibility. "Indigo Sleep" keeps the tension running high, with a barrage of drums and thick guitar parts. The clean vocals are loaded with emotion…often sad, sometimes reflective. "Dandelion" is not as calm as you might expect from the title. It pushes a heavy weight, a burden if you will onto your back that you have to carry everywhere you go. Angry vocals lash out, but they seem to come from a place of frustration, not rage. "Nova" comes at you with a mouthful of hatred, and all of its edges are dark. The riffs are towering here, intense and angry, and they don't let up for even a second.

"Oceans" is like its namesake…a calmer song that expands into every corner, undulating like the tides of a great body of water. It has an emotional soul, although it is tainted and filthy. Angry vocals combine with cleans, and it's like they are tortured and can't decide which way to turn. "zessa (reborn)" is the final song. Organ notes lead it off, and the riff that follows is desolate. The reborn feeling comes from glimmers of hope that the band offers throughout the song, although they are fleeting. The tide finally turns approaching the end, although the sound doesn't answer any questions…it may even provide more.

This was an excellent album, combining the best of what Doom, Black Metal, and Blackgaze have to offer you. The vocalist was outstanding, and she could switch from deep anger to calm sooths with ease, leading the journey of the album over smooth paths in the woods, to jagged peaks in the mountains, and even to golden lands that lie beyond what the eye can see.