Album review: TRNA – Istok

There are few genre names that seem as ludicrous or pretentious as the likes of “blackgaze” or “blackened post-metal”. However, for Russian trio TRNA there are few other descriptions that seem fitting. Having released three albums independently over a span of three years, Candlelight Records have finally picked them up for the release of fourth full-length Istok. The shimmering cadence of ethereal sounding post-rock collides with thunderous black metal inspired guitars to create an experience that’s otherworldly.

Gentle in spite of its heaviness, Istok is a record that makes for really easy listening – an accessible gateway into a genre that, as its core, is relentless and unforgiving. While mostly instrumental, the inclusion of vocals from Portuguese black metallers Gaerea on Shining adds another dimension, lending a weightiness to an otherwise buoyant atmosphere. Tacking the version of the song sans vocals onto the end of the album seems almost unnecessary, as the vocals are what make it such a stand-out song. Despite how pretty sounding their music is, TRNA are a band that seem desperate for structure – with such an expansive pool of influence, they meander at times and songs are directionless, simply fading away rather than drawing to a clear conclusion.

With a bit of refining and sanding of their edges, TRNA are a band that could easily achieve greatness. There is so much promise to this opus and moments that are rapturously heavy and awe inspiring, they just need to know when to pull back and that the concept of “too much of a good thing” is something tangible. An enjoyable listen regardless of its very minor flaws, Istok will undoubtedly sound just as phenomenal live as it does on record.

Verdict: 3/5

For fans of: Deafheaven, Archivist, Russian Circles

Istok is released on September 3 via Candlelight

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