Review by Felix on April 27, 2024.

Since the beginning of their musical activities, the members of Skyforger do not only appear as musicians, but also as emissaries of their country. From my point of view, they represent Latvia in a dignified way. Their discography is growing constantly and most of the efforts are very well done. Despite the fact that some of their albums are slightly weaker than their predecessors, the band always acts in an authentic manner. But authenticity is not the only trump card of "Senprūsija". Due to its strong compositions, it belongs to the better outputs of Skyforger and surpasses its predecessor significantly. Furthermore, it cements the musical approach of the band. The Latvians cover the whole spectrum between wild thrash and shamanic doom and they do it in a skillful manner. Without neglecting completely folkloric elements, they create a churning mix of metal.

Harsh tracks like "Sudāvu jātnieki" or "Tagad vai nekad" underline the most craggy side of Skyforger. These songs are no American-style thrash metal and the usual European thrash approach does also not show up. Furthermore, these tunes have nothing in common with the more or less primitive black thrash legions from Germany, although their sound is slightly blackened. The band offers a different version of thrash. It is able to create very special melodies and the edgy Latvian language adds an enriching element. It would be an exaggeration to say that Skyforger still spread an exotic aura. Their sound is not unique. But the musicians are capable to generate the vehemence of thrash metal with their own means. The equally massive main riff of "Divi brāļi" pulls you into the song immediately, but this piece does not follow the thrashing approach of the aforementioned songs. The longer it lasts, the more the band emphasises folkloric sounds, in particular as a result of the use of flutes. Due to this pattern, the song is comparable with the title track. But despite these differentiations, the album never falls short of an appropriate level of heaviness. Not least to the raw voice of the lead singer and an unmistakable quantum of high velocity parts ("Melnās buras"), this full-length exudes metal from each pore.

The arrangement of the songs is well done. The heavyweight "Rāmava" is absolutely correctly positioned. It separates the faster tracks of the first half of the album from those of the second half while leading you to the dark Latvian forests or, alternatively, to the autumnal and windswept shores of the Baltic sea. Desperate riffing meets mantra-like singing while the last rays of sunlight vanish slowly. The deities of the Old Prussians are surely delighted to get this sonic offering. By the way, the ambitiously designed booklet is a treasure trove for historically interested metalheads.

Long story short, Skyforger deliver another chapter of their independent kind of metal. With the exception of the lukewarm instrumental called "Rituāls", they offer good songs with a more or less flawless production. All of you who like the previous albums of Skyforger will not be disappointed, because the band remains a reliable partner for its supporters.

Rating: 7.8 out of 10