"lauks" is the fifth album from Polish pagan black metal group VARMIA - who return more straightforward and Intense. A darkened journey of raw and primal black metal that still clings to their Baltic roots abetted by traditional Instrumentation and percussion. "lauks" will be released on CD and limited edition (300 copies) Warm Blood colored vinyl.
VARMIA was formed in 2016 by vocalist/guitarist/composer Lasota with a mission of fusing black metal with musical influences that pay tribute to the ancient Baltic tribes of the historical Warmia region of northern Poland. On vocal duties, Lasota emits harsh growls that shroud the band's music and native Polish lyrics in a visceral aura, the only breaks from this vocal assault occurring when he sings using the traditional, ancient technique of "whitevoice" clean singing as utilized during ancient East-Central European rituals, rites of passage and festivals. Meanwhile, the power of the band's modern influences are enhanced by the rhythm section, while traditional ethnic instrumentation of the Baltic Rites is executed via tagelharpa, goat horn, wood tuba and krivula. The final result is a compelling mix of dark metallic sounds that channel the spirit of early Enslaved, Satyricon, Primordial and Wolves in the Throne Room and folk elements that drive acts such as Wardruna and Heilung.
"lauks" refers to the smallest agricultural unit of the tribes that inhabited the lands of Poland in pre-Christian times. Lauks were a combination of nearby settlements that gathered together when faced with an invasion. Hence the blood-soaked soil and bones as a theme for the album's graphics.