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Traces of their black metal past burst into the bawdy lurch of Gradina Stelelor, and if Brazda Da Foc is a brief step back into more cinematic territories, the dulcimers, wooden blocks and more offer an earthiness that exchanges atmosphere for something more tactile. Zi is still a thrilling if bewilderingly diverse ride that dissipates amidst the closing Marea Cea Mare – a gorgeous, gossamer waft of guitar and female vocals that will leave you wondering where they’re headed next.

Having freelanced regularly for the Melody Maker and Kerrang!, and edited the extreme metal monthly, Terrorizer, for seven years, Jonathan is now the overseer of all the album and live reviews in Metal Hammer. Bemoans his obsolete superpower of being invisible to Routemaster bus conductors, finds men without sideburns slightly circumspect, and thinks songs that aren’t about Satan, swords or witches are a bit silly.

Negura Bunget - Zi album review

Diverse journeys into the heart of Transylvanian lore