The album Pradavni by Serbian black metal band Osktnavitelj originally saw the light of day in 2023 as a self-released, limited edition. This first pressing quickly caught the attention of underground enthusiasts of raw, uncompromising black metal, and sold out in no time. The positive response and growing demand provided ample reason for German label Fetzner Death Records to reissue the album in 2025, this time with broader distribution and improved physical presentation.
Osktnavitelj’s roots go back to 2021, when the band was founded with a clear mission: to conjure a dark, archaic atmosphere that resonates with both Slavic folklore and the nihilistic ethos of second wave black metal. As of now, the lineup still includes two original members — vocalist Vrika, whose rasping voice and lyrical vision form the core of the band, and guitarist Tamničar, responsible for the layered, dissonant riffs that define the band’s sound. The remaining members were replaced in 2024 and are thus not featured on Pradavni.
The album itself is a raw and ritualistic experience, deeply rooted in the spirit of ancient times. The title Pradavni — which roughly translates to “primeval” or “from the distant past” — is aptly chosen. The music evokes a sense of forgotten knowledge, lost rites, and the eternal struggle between the material and the metaphysical. Don’t expect polished production or melodic accessibility: this is black metal in its purest, most biting form, marked by trance-inducing structures, icy tremolo riffs, and percussion that feels like a deranged tribal ritual.
It’s clear the band draws most of its influence from the second wave of 1990s black metal. Think of the raw intensity of early Mayhem or the cutting guitar work of Darkthrone — influences that unmistakably leave their mark on much of the material. The tempo is generally high: blast beats, frosty tremolos, and relentless fury dominate the majority of the tracks.
Still, there is room for variation, and one absolute standout in that regard is the mid-tempo track “Kad Je Mesec Pun.” This piece leans deliciously close to the old Norwegian style, with a sparse yet menacing atmosphere and a hypnotic build-up that recalls early ’90s classics. Here, the music is given space to breathe — and that breath is filled with a chilling presence.
What gives the whole album added character is the rasping, bone-chilling voice of Vrika. Her vocals not only fit the genre perfectly, they elevate the music as a whole. Combined with the Serbian lyrics, the result is an unmistakably Eastern European sound — mysterious, menacing, and steeped in a sense of ancient resentment. It grants the band a unique identity in a genre that all too often repeats itself.
I’m genuinely curious to see what the future holds for this band. The foundations are solid, the vision is clear, and the execution is compelling. One can’t help but wonder: are there already new tracks quietly simmering in the oven?
80/100
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