
One of the many unique bands in their stable is Adaestuo, who just released their first full album, called Krew Za Krew (Polish for “Blood for blood”). This is not their first work – they already released an EP in 2016.
Compared to that offering (called “Tacent Semitae”), their new record is more balanced, and also has better production values.
I have to be honest, I almost let this gem slip through my fingers. At first I wasn’t sure about how “real” this record was – everything is so well constructed, that at times it walks the fine line between art and kitsch… After a few spins, however, that feeling faded, and I was really drawn into the depraved world of Adaestuo.
Adaestuo plays ritual black metal, however they succeed in giving it a personal twist. The tracklist of this record is evenly composed of an equal amount of ambient, moody pieces, and of traditional black metal songs.
It’s no wonder that one of the band members, VJS, is also affiliated to Emptiness (as a live musician), as they are also a band who want to do things different, and revel in the same dark, mystical atmosphere.
What makes Adaestuo really unique is Hekte Zaren’s voice. Throughout the record she hisses, screams, growls, and, most strikingly, howls like Diamanda Galas - her voice lifts the records to another level.
All in all, “Krew za krew” has a high replay value, and is easily one of the better records of 2018. Recommended listening!
Koen