Handful of Stars (Пригорща Зірок)

Magnificent eighth full-length album by Ukrainian band Drudkh, “Handful of Stars” represents one of the most striking shifts within their discography, moving partially away from atmospheric black metal parameters to explore a more melodic, contemplative and shoegaze-tinged sound while preserving the project’s characteristic naturalistic sensitivity. The compositions unfold with an almost hypnotic calm, evoking vast horizons, introspection and a serene melancholy that contrasts with the intensity of earlier albums. Compared to the balance achieved on “Microcosmos”, Drudkh here explores a more ethereal and emotional dimension, shaping a singular record within their trajectory that expands the boundaries of their approach and has over time become one of their most distinctive works.