In Russian and Belarusian folklore Alatyr is a magic stone - a father of all stones, which possesses healing powers. Alatyr the band, on the other hand, is a project led by Paskevich, who is a former Oyhra member, which is the main reason why I was interested in hearing this band in the first place. "Agoj" can be classified as Pagan Metal, which is of course vague, but that's what it basically is. The band's obvious Pagan concept is set against the musical backdrop that shares some elements with black metal, yet can in no way be described as such. Two lengthy tracks that last for approximately half an hour are way too tame and at times too cheery sounding to be called black metal. The quality of the music also leaves a lot to be desired. Paskevich and Co. were aiming at creating a fairly lofty canvas, employing keyboards, some acoustic guitars and female vocals, a considerable folk influence, but their resources and ability do not match their aspirations. For example, the music suffers from the use of a drum machine, which just does not work for the kind of environment they are trying to create. The production is toned down quite a bit, and the songs sound too primitive to pull-off the type of Pagan opera the band probably had in mind. I will be lenient (yes, it's a Belarusian band) and say that "Agoj" has its moments if you are a broad minded and not overly demanding listener, but honestly speaking, after hearing this tape for the first time I wasn't exactly in rush to put it on again. Quite some time has passed before I gave it another listen. Alatyr have the desire to create something out of the ordinary, but so far they lack the skill to do so.

Final verdict: sympathetic in some way but ultimately unsuccessful effort.

© 2001 boris