Review by Adam M on January 1, 2026.

This was a very unusual sounding record with influences ranking into the spheres of progressive and black metal genres as much as having some folk influences. There is a rather adventurous flavour to the disc and it has a similar spacey feeling to Enslaved’s work. There is a nice atmosphere created by the material. The songs are very original and interesting.

The production helps bolster the proceedings to new heights.  The guitars are progressive and interesting.  Vocals are shouting and really fit the surroundings nicely. There is very little to dislike about the musical performances and they are quite interesting and make their mark upon you.  The drumming rounds out the experience and makes this a complete. 

If there is a flaw to the work, it is in how it sounds too similar to Enslaved, but their work fails to go beyond what that band has achieved. There is a feeling that more interesting black metal has been created in the past and yet the material still remains compelling. It is not as thoughtful as that band and falls a bit short in comparison. There is not enough of a presence to capture your attention as much as the classic Enslaved albums that are still interesting.

All in all, this was one of the better albums of recent times and a great experience. There is very little to dislike here and the entire affair has a strong atmosphere that has depth and character. This all adds up to being a very compelling and thoughtful listen. It is one of the stronger black metal works of recent times and a standout work.

Rating: 7.9 out of 10

Review by Alex Grindor on May 5, 2021.

In the vast, wide landscape that is music, pretty much everything has been done. But there's always an artist, be it a lone ranger or a group of them that somehow, even in a vastly experimented field that is music, manages to come up with something that breathes life and fresh air unto it. Romania's Dordeduh are such a group and with their sophomore Har have crafted an excellent record that encompasses an enormous variety and blend of styles and influences (and even instruments) while never losing coherence or identity.

An atmospheric bipolar journey; relaxing and agitating, peaceful and raging, melodic and dissonant. Beautiful clean vocals entwined at varied intervals with ferocious growls, drumming and bass that goes from peaceful to pummeling, guitars that mix heavenly melodies with darksome riffs and twisted leads. The entire record is a journey to behold, as it shifts mood at unexpected turns and time becomes nothing while listening to Har. From the first to the last second, you are in their grasp and they won't let you go until the journey's finished. I personally am not a fan of atmospheric bands, as they tend to drag for too long and I end up losing interest. None of that happens here, though. Dordeduh knows their craft and have mastered it to engage the listener from the very start without making it drag for too long, which helps the experience and makes this record interesting to listen to.

There is pretty much nothing wrong here, as everything is where it's meant to be. As an atmospheric record, it is meant to be enjoyed as a whole, which may detract some listeners (understandably). But if you give it a chance, you'll see that Dordeduh has crafted a unique record and I recommend it absolutely. There are no comparisons I can do here, and even if there were, it wouldn't matter. Har is set to release on May 14th via Prophecy Productions so if you can, give it a chance. You won't regret it.

Rating: 9.3 out of 10