Since their newest album, Dar De Duh, has been released a month ago, I figured it would only be appropriate to take a look at Dordeduh's first release, namely Valea Omului, a two-song ep, released in 2010. For those who have no idea why I'm even talking about this strangely named band: Dordeduh (meaning "Longing for Spirit") is a Romanian black metal band, formed in 2009 out of the ashes of Negură Bunget by then guitarist/vocalist Hupogrammos and guitarist Sol Faur after tensions between them and other members of the band made working together no longer an option. Drummer Negru, in the meantime, has kept Negură Bunget active with new members. Now, how do the two compare?

Given the fact that Hupogrammos and Sol Faur were the main songwriters in Negură Bunget it should come as no surprise that the two songs featured on this little ep are quite reminiscent of the Bunget of old. This becomes instantly clear as Zuh - Cu tunetul munţilor (which roughly translates to "Zuh - With the Thunder of Mountains") starts out with subtle percussion that leads into near ritualistic chanting until at the near three minute mark guitars and drums come crashing in with Hupogrammos screeching and growling on top, turning the initially quite peaceful ritual into near mayhem. Second track, Cumpăt (meaning "Balance") is more straightforward than the previous track, delving into a tremolo riff almost instantly, containing a beautiful mix of harsh and clean vocals, going through multiple tempo changes throughout the song, the next more vicious than the one before, ending in a full minute of tranquil guitar and synths. Making things even better, both songs also benefit from a crystal clear yet quite organic production, every instrument having its rightfull place.

This little ep is a fantastic, albeit very short, trip through the one of a kind universe only Negură Bunget and now Dordeduh can create. It's a trip you'll be more than happy to take though, especially those who weren't totally satisfied with the albums released by Negură Bunget after the split with Sol Faur and Hupogrammos. It's also a very modest, yet at the same time ambitious beginning for this band. As mentioned at the beginning of this review, the band has just released it's proper debut, Dar De Duh, which should be a great album as well, if Valea Omului is any indication. Highly recommended, to say the least.