Ukrainian steppes are known for their rich land; a black soil that gives crop in abundance. Bathed in the southeast by the Black Sea and to the west by the wild Carpathian Mountains, this country has a population fiercely attached to its identity and, not surprisingly, it led to the plethoric emergence of famous black metal bands. Most fans know - and worship - bands like Nokturnal Mortum and Drudkh, but let’s not forget Dragobrath, that just released its fourth album, entitled WhisperHerbs (2011).

The group is headed by a former member of Kroda and there are striking similarities between styles practiced by both groups. Nature is at the heart of their inspiration, both musically and lyrically. Dragobrath practices its black metal around a central rhythmic, repeated throughout each piece, bringing homogeneity and some linearity. WhisperHerbs titles are no exception to this approach: Crawling at Night is Gulp and Herbal Milk, enables us to enter a world of contemplation, with guitar loops with embedded violin and percussion passages. The songs are lengthy, with an ambiance/atmosphere focus, but without excess or stylistic effect. Cover the Earth with a Rainkisses and the title track are both excellent pieces that recall the best Drudkh albums, but the sauce begins to stretch from Heather Stronghold. We feel shortness of breath in the composition; the band’s best ideas are visibly exhausted up to this song.

We will never know more, Dragobrath having announced its separation with the release of this album. It nevertheless remains a great purchase for anyone - and they are many – who like the pagan black metal and great melodies. But I'm not worried: Ukraine, a country of infinite lands and immense rivers will continue to offer us an exceptional music. 7/10

Originally written for metalobscurdotcom