Zatokrev – …Bring Mirrors to the Surface (Review)

Zatokrev are a doom/sludge/post-metal band from Switzerland and this is their fifth album.

I was very, very excited to see this one appear. Rather shockingly, it’s been a whole decade since 2015’s Silk Spiders Underwater…, so it’s great to finally have the 65-minute …Bring Mirrors to the Surface. Zatokrev are one of the greatest doom/sludge/post-metal bands in existence, yet are criminally unknown. They’ve now signed to the fantastic Pelagic Records, wo hopefully this will allow them to get the exposure they deserve.

Okay, so it’s fair to say I’m pretty hyped for this. But, does it live up to my expectations? That’s the killer question…

Operating in waters that are both familiar and new, Zatokrev’s latest album finds them pushing their music further than ever, and it’s a joy to experience. …Bring Mirrors to the Surface has exceeded my expectations, and finds Zatokrev in prime condition.

Zatokrev are heavy, yet bring a textured depth to their work that’s remarkable. …Bring Mirrors to the Surface is probably their most well-rounded and detailed album to date; Zatokrev are increasingly exploring their sonic abilities, and have been creative with their core sludginess to produce songs that take the listener on a multifaceted journey. Additionally, not content with their own considerable abilities, there are an array of guests spread across the record that enhance Zatokrev’s musical vision. This includes members of bands such as Bölzer, Minsk, and Schammasch. Unlike most guest appearances, here they add real value, making …Bring Mirrors to the Surface diverse vocally and musically.

The end result of the above is a record that feels very complete, very holistically satisfying. Zatokrev’s music has always been immersive, but here it is utterly absorbing. The songs are deliberate and detailed, bringing a variety of expressive and atmospheric soundscapes to life across eight compelling tracks. The band’s songwriting is at its most diverse, making each song a world unto itself. The increased breadth of the material allows the minutes to fly by, and the strategic use of the guest performances not only enriches the songs, but in many cases is absolutely vital to them. The song Blood, with guest vocals from the singer of Inezona, is one such excellent example.

Whether they’re being massively heavy and unleashing thundering brutality, or evoking ethereal fragility and delicate beauty, or anything between these two extremes, Zatokrev’s art is never less than exquisitely rendered. It’s hard to accurately assess how I feel about it compared to the band’s past discography, as I know those older songs so much better, but I’m pretty sure at this early point that …Bring Mirrors to the Surface has the potential to ascend to the very top of the pile. Time will tell. For now, I can safely say that Zatokrev have solidified their status as one of the best doom/sludge/post-metal bands in existence.

Essential.