DRUDKH

It may seem unusual that Autumn Aurora is seeing a third re-release since its creation in 2004 but this Ukrainian black metal outfit's sophomore effort is so stunning and brilliant, yet consistently overlooked, that it's welcome. Incredibly atmospheric, progressive and imposing, Autumn Aurora is one of those albums that strives to incorporate many moods and instruments ― synths, standard metal gear and acoustic guitars ― with stable production in order to enhance the overall experience. It's quite the anomaly for a band of this ilk, considering their contemporaries prefer cacophony and echo to actual ability. Grandiose and as anthemic as something in this genre can be, the album's six tracks revolve around the elements ("Summoning The Rain," "Glare Of Autumn," "The First Snow"), as opposed to typical Satanic buffoonery, boasting sprawling, almost orchestral arrangements, making this organized yet impacting affair the bleak equivalent of Leviathan or Red Album.