Krolok may not be quite as well known as HV/Graf Von K.’s other group Malokarpatan, but over the last decade the two have showcased some of the more interesting metal to come out of Slovakia. Where Malokarpatan adopted more of a first wave black metal and heavy metal sound alongside more grandiose elements on later albums, Krolok has always been rooted more in the traditional black metal side of things. Both Flying Above Ancient Ruins and Funeral Winds & Crimson Sky showcased elements that recalled older Eastern European black metal as well as some of the more atmospheric variants of the genre. For their third full length Hričov - Súľov – Lietava, the band has shifted things further towards the atmospheric and symphonic end of the spectrum while also writing in their native language for the first time.
Malokarpatan’s last effort Vertumnus Caesar really leaned into the more grandiose and orchestral side of things, using a wide range of instruments to capture influences from across the progressive and folk spectrum and weave them into the heavy metal foundation. Some of these elements seem to have rubbed off on Krolok, as not only is there even more emphasis on instrumental interludes that have more of a darker folk and pagan slant to them, but the keyboards are even more prominent than before and really transform the sound. Opener “Hričov” is a lengthy track that gives a good idea of the type of epic scale the band is going for this time around, as you get plenty of aggressive and powerful black metal riffs but things transition into moodier and more subdued passages where the keyboards go for this murkier, mysterious tone that brings forth imagery of dark, misty mountains and forests. The way the atmospheric and symphonic elements fuse with the pummeling black metal on the opener reminds me not only of several Polish bands, but I also get hints of Summoning and Negură Bunget. As you make your way through Hričov - Súľov – Lietava it’s interesting to see how literal the album title is, as the three words in the title also make up the bulk of the material while the other three tracks serve as instrumental interludes. This creates an interesting flow where the abrasive moments give way to calmer ones that come across like the calm before the storm, and the way they tie in with the longer pieces works well. “Súľov” is an album highlight for me, as the lead riff immediately draws you in with its immense sense of power and scale, but it also shifts towards some somber melodic sections that retain that murkier and ominous atmosphere. The main issue I have with the album is how it seems to cut itself short, as “Lietava” fades out with a folkier melody before “Posledný zárez v čase” concludes the album with softer symphonics. I feel like one more track or a slightly more powerful outro would’ve made a big difference, and this does dull the impact for me compared to how strong the rest of the material is.
Graf von K.’s raspier screams have become one of the defining elements of Krolok and Malokarpatan, and he continues to deliver a standout performance on Hričov - Súľov – Lietava. With the shift to English to Slovak it changes the cadence and overall sound a bit and adds a bit more of that sense of mystery to the material. Two of the other members of Krolok contribute backing vocals, and the performances give things a bit more of a dynamic feel compared to some of the other black metal out there. “Hričov” is a great example, as the screams give way to chanted sections and there is also some spoken word towards the end of the song. This is where a bit more of the folk elements come through, as the way the chants, spoken word, and cleaner pitches come through on the recording makes me feel like I’m being told old tales and mysteries from Slovakia’s past, even if I can’t understand the language.
On their third album Krolok has incorporated even more folk and symphonic elements, giving the material more of a sweeping and epic scope than before. When things come together, especially on “Súľov” the way the material transitions from powerful, aggressive riffing into more somber and mysterious melodies is entrancing, but I felt like the last two tracks didn’t quite leave the same impact and was left wanting a bit more. There’s still plenty here that will draw listeners back, but I’m interested to hear how Krolok continues to advance this particular blend as there’s plenty of additional untapped potential. Hričov - Súľov – Lietava is available from Osmose Productions.
-Review by Chris Dahlberg