Dordeduh release video single ‘Desferecat’ and reveal details of stunning new album “Har”.
Dordeduh have released a spectacular video for the track ‘Desferecat’ (“Unchained”), which is the first single taken from their sensational forthcoming album “Har” (“Gifted”), which has been scheduled for release on May 14, 2021.
The Romanian metal pioneers have based the imagery of their clip on the arcana XII “Le pendue” (“The Hangman”) of the famous Tarot de Marseille.
The video ‘Desferecat’ is now available for immediate publication via the following link: https://youtu.be/SZFmx82Dg2I
Dordeduh comment: “The title of our first single translates from the Romanian ‘Desferecat’ to English as ‘Unchained’ in a somewhat loose way”, explains mastermind Edmond “Hupogrammos” Karban. “This word relates to the principle idea behind this song, which deals with a process of deep transformation that touches and changes the human core. Such a journey of the mind starts with self-reflection and self-acknowledgement. This takes the purest form of humbleness that the ego can attain. The next step is a daring jump into the abyss of the self to discover and uncover all the fears and traumata that hide in the darkness surrounding our essence. Finally, we rise again above all of this by embracing and integrating that which lies in the depths into a new and elevated version of ourselves. What you see in this video is our personal take on this road to transformation.”
Tracklist: 1. Timpul întâilor 2. În vieliștea uitării 3. Descânt 4. Calea magilor 5. Vraci de nord 6. Desferecat 7. De neam vergur 8. Văznesit
With their sophomore full-length, “Har”, Romania’s Dordeduh have created a rare and unique metal record that defies easy categorisation, pushes boundaries, and offers something new and previously unheard. Dropping names of such game changing artists as FAITH NO MORE, CELTIC FROST, and DEVIN TOWNSEND is by no means intended as a musical comparison, but rather used to indicate the astonishing level of innovation offered by “Har”.
Based on previous experience, guitarists and founders Edmond “Hupogrammos” Karban and Sol Faur aka Cristian Popescu were expected to deliver an album oscillating in the musical space between dark folk and black metal. And, while they did indeed draw from those sources, they also fearlessly incorporated electronic, gothic, rock, psychedelic, prog, and even pop elements without prejudice.
This open-minded approach resulted in a stunning artistic achievement, from the fierce and epic opening track ‘Timpul întâilor’ to the catchy ‘Descânt’ to percussive interludes like ‘Calea magilor’ and cinematic blockbusters such as ‘Vraci de nord’. “Har” stubbornly resists any attempt of an easy stylistic categorisation. Each song has its own distinct personality, but all are tied together by Dordeduh walking an artistic left-hand path. A lurking sense of occult mystery and underlying darkness permeate even the most joyful moments on “Har”.
It is not the first time that Hupogrammos and Sol Faur have been involved in creating an iconic album. Both had leading roles in composing of NEGURĂ BUNGET’s masterpiece “Om”, which essentially put Romania onto the map of heavy music. After an acrimonious split, the duo from the city of Timișoara founded Dordeduh and delighted critics and fans alike with the EP “Valea omului” (2010) and debut full-length “Dar de duh” (2012).
Beyond the obvious point of lyrics in the musical Romanian language, the native element also hides in Dordeduh’s melodies and rhythms as well as in subtle touches of traditional instrumentation. The effect easily compares to the often unnoticed way SYSTEM OF A DOWN have organically incorporated traditional Armenian music into their sound. Despite a strong presence, those regional components will only reveal themselves to connoisseurs of Caucasian – or in the case of Dordeduh, Carpathian – folk. Yet at no time such knowledge of traditional ingredients is needed to fully enjoy or become immersed in their work.
The remarkable production of “Har” is another factor in making the album special. Although Hupogrammos is an experienced sound engineer, Dordeduh entrusted mixing and mastering to celebrated producer Jens Bogren, renowned for his singular approach and impact on the work of major artists including OPETH, DIMMU BORGIR, KATATONIA, MOONSPELL, DEVIN TOWNSEND, and IHSAHN. The Swede proved to be an excellent choice, and he brought this dark diamond to perfect brilliance.
Beyond the music, Dordeduh created “Har” as a journey into the unknown. The Romanians offer their songs to connect listeners with a cosmic heritage buried deep in the subconscious, guiding an aural journey into the collective memories encapsulated within. According to Hupogrammos, “the title of the album could be translated as grace, talent, or as being gifted in the divine sense”.
“Har” is a milestone – and not just for Romanian metal. Dordeduh have taken an artistic quantum leap that promises to be recognized as one of the finest and most individual metal albums of the year, and perhaps even the decade.
Line-up: Edmond “Huppogrammos” Karban – vocals, guitars, keyboards, mandola, tulnic / Cristian “Sol Faur” Popescu – guitars, keyboards, hammered dulcimer / Andrei Jumugă – drums & percussion, toaca / Flavius Misarăș – bass
Traditional instruments: Tambal, xylophon, toaca, tulnic, nai, fluier, caval, dube, timbale, lemne, mandola
Recorded at Consonance Studio by Andrei Jumuga, Sol Faur, Edmond Karban, Mixed and mastered at Fascination Street Studios by Jens Bogren
Artwork & Layout by Costin Chioreanu
Pre-sale link: http://lnk.spkr.media/dordeduh-har
Available formats: “Har” is available as a hardcover 48-page 3CD/DVD artbook incl. CD with 2 bonus tracks plus 7 track live CD/DVD, limited gatefold 2LP gold vinyl (400 copies), gatefold 2LP black vinyl, and on CD.