Delia Poparad – The Land of Mist

Delia Poparad – The Land of Mist

Self Released – 2020

Stoner, Psych, Doom

Rated: ****

Romanian Rock music has come a long way since the Soviet domination of the country ended, with a whole host of new and exciting talent emerging. Delia Poparad, a guitarist and songsmith from Bucharest exemplifies this resurgent talent with her excellent debut album, The Land of Mist. Engaging and well-crafted throughout, it delves deep into the vintage: solid chunks of Heavy Psych emanate from the title track, ably fuelled by strong vocals and swirling fuzz with a strong 70's vibe. "Wicked Queen" opens with heavy bass attack before the riffs kick in ponderous, slow and alluring. The guest vocalists throughout are top-notch and each provides the perfect vehicle to transport their respective songs. Poparad herself is no mean guitarist: a restrained, subtle approach to fuzz reveals an understanding and knowledge of how to use tone to great effect. "Magician Man" evokes late 70's-early 80's metal crossover where Sabbath met Diamond Head and drips with vintage feel. "The High Priestess" is catchy, doom-laced Psychedelia. Punchy riffs combat echoing percussion which bring a lysergic twist to the song. "Jack in the Box" slows down to ballad pace, once again chock-full of catchy hooks and strong vocal presence rolling into a sweetly-delivered, understated guitar solo. This motif continues with the following track, "Thee Moon", a darkly beckoning gesture from slow, crunching riffs and another precision-crafted solo, oddly reminiscent of Paul Kossof. Final track before the outro, "Reverie" again wanders the same doomed horseflesh roads to Sabbathia, blending the power and laid-back restraint to ample effect with strong fuzz overtones and soaring guitar licks. The Land of Mist is a sensational blend of Doom, Heavy Psych and vintage Metal that constantly delivers with precision and flair - brilliant!

(Written by Reek of STOOM)

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