I first came across Portuguese Pagan Folk outfit Drusuna back in 2020 when I reviewed one of their singles, but this is the first time I have come across an album: I said back then that it would be something worth hearing, and I love it when I am right. They were formed in 2009 by Sephirus Oakborn and brother Alvahagal with the original concept of creating primitive sounds with only organic ethnic musical instruments made from wood, stones, and other natural elements. There was to be a new line-up for each project, with Sephirus playing everything and bringing in whoever he needed for his vision, but here we have again have Rose Avalon from Ritual Duir, who was on that single, and I am glad she is here as the combination of the two is very special indeed.

If one goes to their website there is this on the homepage, it is certainly unusual to find a band with a mission statement, “Drusuna is a connection with wild nature. The search for ancestral roots lost in time, told through the hidden language of the forest. A distant past that remains alive for those who listen closely, in the quiet embrace of the green realm… Wandering in the forest solitude, the allure of mystery and magic beckons, drawing one into the verdant depths of the woodland world… Every whisper of the wind, every rustle of the leaves, speaks of ancient tales. The spirits of old reside in every stone, every stream, a primal knowledge, pulsing within all things…” This is an excellent description of what one hears on this album, which feels primeval, almost as if we are in North America hundreds of years ago, or possibly on the plains of Mongolia, where the people are at one with nature (often with a didgeridoo for support).

There are times when Rose sings with English vocals as opposed to wordlessly, with Sephirus on acoustic guitar and piano, reminding me of Jo Beth Young or Talis Kimberly, but for this most part this feels almost visceral, and can imagine The Hu enjoying this given their similar approach (although this is folk and never metal). There are times when it drifts into dream folk, but for the most part it is far more vibrant, which results in it being one of the most exciting albums I have heard from this label. This not traditional Western folk, or Celtic, but bringing together traditions from peoples who travelled the earth leaving it as if they had never been there, so unlike the plastic and disposable world we all live in today. This is special indeed and deserves to be valued.

Rating: 9/10

Links:
https://drusuna.wixsite.com/drusuna
https://friendlyfolkrecords.org/