Zmij - Zmij (s / t)
First production in our Katabasis collection, dedicated to Black Metal and Dungeon Synth.
The first EP from this obscure project, Zmij (meaning “dragon” in proto-Slavic) hails from Slovakia and invites us to witness the fusion of the world of the living and the dead. Zmij's compositions exude an undeniable aura of ritual and mystery. Long, epic tracks of atmospheric Black Metal cross swords with Ambient tracks that are reminiscent of Dungeon Synth. As for the guitars, a slightly filthy Black Thrash rubs shoulders with heavier attacks... All of which creates an excellent backdrop for the possessed vocals, which add a theatrical touch that sounds like the work of a strange shaman, or a magician performing a morbid ritual in an ageless cave, the meaning of which escapes us mere mortals. The dynamics of this necromancer's chant are reinforced by draconian eructations. The whole EP reveals a definite taste for dark fantasy, which is most noticeable on the ambient tracks: how can you not sink into dark dreams when listening to Cantata Nebulae?
In the end, an intriguing, well-crafted atmosphere pervades this debut EP, whose mysteries will forever remain off-limits to the uninitiated.
credits:
Zmij EP was composed, recorded and mixed/mastered in cold winter 2022 with line - up:
Kostej - vocals
Sambor - drums
Smrtihlav - guitars, bass, keys, vocals
