Just a couple years back, we heard from Ukrainian prog band Vovk for the first time – we remember it well, as their email detailed how the power to their studio was constantly flickering and shutting off due to encroaching Russian artillery.
But as impactful as that email was, and as proud as we were to help get the word out for a band out of Kyiv, a stark reminder of ongoing war isn’t actually how we remember Vovk: first and foremost, we know them as an incredible band. The chorus of the single they were releasing at the time, “Tyhr,” gets stuck in our heads to this day without warning, and today we’re beyond excited to help show Vovk to more of the world. Oh, and this time, they brought a friend.
“Promin” features none other than Cult of Luna‘s Johannes Persson, who’s vocal conviction and delivery could sweeten any track, but really make for a perfect match on Vovk’s massive new single. It’s melodic, chunky, soaring, introspective, and everything in between.
Check it out below:
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There’s some beautifully spaced out guitar things happening here, almost harkening to things like A Perfect Circle or Ashes Divide, but things become thoroughly escalated and reach through sludge-y, hard-hitting heights that land somewhere between Kvelertak, Mastodon and The Contortionist. It’s truly cathartic, and for any math rock sticklers there’s even a deceptively complex little lead line about 3/4 through that somehow fits perfectly atop the raging guitar fire surrounding it.
Even if it’s long, “Promin” doesn’t waste a a bit of it’s seven minute run time, and we recommend you enjoy every second of it. It’s more than the sum of its part, even with the language barrier – you can feel it.
Here’s more from their press release:
“After nearly three years of silence, we’re returning with a new single – a collaboration with Johannes Persson, vocalist of the Swedish band Cult of Luna. This song is the first chapter of our upcoming album, set to be released this fall.
“Promin” (Ray) is the dawn rising over a field torn by steel and scorched by fire. The earth, like a wounded being, breathes heavily, giving away its final warmth. But even a single ray of sunlight can heal the wounds and bring hope.
The voice of Cult of Luna’s frontman, which we’ve heard in English and Swedish, now speaks Ukrainian. Johannes’s deep connection to Ukraine’s resistance against the russian invasion – his support and solidarity – embody strength and trust.”
Don’t forget to check out more from Vovk on their Bandcamp here.
(Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for more music, check out our Bandcamp compilations here. If you like us, or possibly even love us, donations are always appreciated at the Buy Me A Coffee page here, but if you’re in a generous mood you can also donate to folks like Doctors Without Borders, the PCRF, Charity Water, Kindness Ranch, One Tail at A Time, Canopy Cat Rescue, or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary that could probably use it more – click on their names above to check ‘em out if you’re so inclined. Thanks again!)