Negură Bunget: ‘N Crugu Bradului (2002)

“‘N Crugu Bradului,” released in October 2002 by Negură Bunget under Code666 Records, is a complex black metal album that explores the themes of nature, Romanian folklore, and the cyclical seasons. Known for its intricate composition with each track representing a different season.

Negura Bunget: 'N Crugu Bradului (2002) album artwork

Track Listing

Album length: 53:40

Music genre

Black metal, Atmospheric black metal

The Lineup for the Album

Hupogrammos Disciple’s (Gabriel Mafa): vocals, guitars, keyboards, traditional instruments
Sol Faur Spurcatu (Cristian Popescu): guitars, keyboards, traditional instruments
Negru (Gabriel Mafa): drums, percussion, traditional instruments

Release Date

October 3, 2002

Record Label

Code666 Records

Recording Date

June 18 - July 2, 2002

Recording Studio

Magic Sound Studio (Bucharest, Romania)

Produced by

Cristi Solomon and Negură Bunget

Album Themes/Concept

Nature and Mysticism: The album delves deeply into the beauty and power of nature, particularly the landscapes of Romania. The lyrics are rich with imagery of forests, mountains, and natural elements. This reflects a profound respect for the natural world and its mystical qualities, creating a spiritual journey for the listener.

Romanian Folklore: Drawing from Romanian folklore and mythology, the album incorporates traditional stories, legends, and spiritual beliefs. The lyrics often reference ancient rituals, mythical creatures, and the ancestral connection to the land. This creates a unique blend of metal music with cultural and historical depth.

Seasonal Cycle: The tracks are structured to represent the changing seasons, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the eternal return. This theme is evident in the way each song progresses, capturing the essence of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It reflects a journey through time, highlighting the contrasts and transitions between different phases of existence.

Philosophical and Existential Reflections: The album often touches on existential themes, exploring the human condition, the search for meaning, and the relationship between humanity and the cosmos. It invites listeners to reflect on their place in the world and the interconnectedness of all things.

Atmospheric and Evocative Language: The lyrics use evocative and poetic language to create a vivid atmosphere. This not only enhances the storytelling aspect but also immerses the listener in a dreamlike, almost otherworldly experience. The use of Romanian language adds an additional layer of authenticity and mystique to the music.

Album Mood

Dark and Atmospheric: The album encapsulates a dark and brooding atmosphere, essential for any black metal enthusiast. The soundscapes are crafted with layers of guitars, haunting keyboards, and traditional Romanian instruments, creating a mystical and immersive experience. This atmosphere is deeply reflective of the Transylvanian forests and the ancient lore that inspires the band’s music.

Ethereal and Mystical: There’s a strong sense of mysticism throughout the album. The music often feels otherworldly, transporting listeners to a realm where the boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds blur. This ethereal quality is enhanced by the poetic and evocative lyrics, sung in Romanian, which add to the mystical ambiance.

Introspective and Reflective: While the music is intense and powerful, it also invites introspection. The themes of nature, existential reflection, and the cyclical nature of life encourage listeners to delve deep into their own thoughts and emotions. It’s an album that offers both a visceral and intellectual experience, prompting listeners to ponder their place in the universe.

Epic and Grandiose: The album has a grand, epic feel, with each track flowing seamlessly into the next to create a cohesive journey. The compositions are intricate, with long, sprawling tracks that build and evolve, showcasing the band’s ability to blend traditional black metal with progressive and folk elements. This grandiosity makes the album a captivating and unforgettable experience.

Raw and Primitive: Despite its atmospheric and mystical qualities, the album retains the raw and primitive essence of black metal. The aggressive guitar riffs, relentless drumming, and harsh vocals provide a gritty edge that metalheads will appreciate. This rawness is balanced with moments of tranquility and beauty, creating a dynamic and compelling contrast.

Album Trivia

Conceptual Seasons: Each of the four tracks on the album represents a different season, capturing the essence and mood of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. This thematic approach is deeply rooted in Romanian folklore and nature, reflecting the band’s connection to their heritage and the Carpathian landscape.

Language and Title: The album’s title, ‘n Crugu Bradului, translates to “Through the Depths of the Fir Tree Heights”. This poetic title sets the tone for the album’s exploration of nature and the mystical elements of Romanian folklore. The use of their native language adds an authentic and immersive layer to the music.

Complex Composition: The album is known for its incredibly complex structure, with each track composed of 10-25 movements, creating a polyphonic and atmospheric soundscape. This complexity is a key aspect of the album’s unique character and appeal within the black metal genre.

Nature-Inspired Sound: The album draws heavily on natural themes and the Romanian wilderness, aiming to encapsulate the essence of nature through its music. This connection to nature is central to the album’s atmosphere, making it more than just a collection of songs but rather an immersive experience.

Limited Edition Packaging: The album was initially released in a limited edition A5 multipanel digipak that included a leaf from a Transylvanian forest. This unique packaging underscores the band’s deep connection to nature and their cultural heritage.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Appreciate Black Metal: If you enjoy the raw, intense, and atmospheric qualities typical of black metal, this album will resonate with you. The powerful riffs, blast beats, and harsh vocals are signature elements that Negură Bunget excels at delivering.
Have an Interest in Folklore and Mythology: Metalheads with a fascination for folklore, especially Romanian mythology, will find this album captivating. The lyrics and themes are steeped in traditional stories and legends, adding a rich, cultural layer to the music.
Enjoy Atmospheric and Progressive Elements: Fans of atmospheric and progressive metal will appreciate the intricate compositions and the seamless blending of different musical elements. The album’s complex structure and use of traditional instruments create a unique and immersive listening experience.
Seek a Conceptual and Thematic Album: If you enjoy albums that offer more than just individual songs, but a cohesive and thematic journey, ‘n Crugu Bradului will meet your expectations. Each track represents a different season, contributing to a unified narrative that explores the cycles of nature and existence.
Appreciate Musical Craftsmanship: Those who admire meticulous musicianship and production will appreciate the effort and detail that went into creating this album. The band’s ability to produce a polished yet raw sound in a short recording period is commendable.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer Straightforward, Hook-Driven Metal: If your taste leans towards more straightforward, riff-centric metal with catchy hooks and choruses, this album’s intricate and evolving structures might not be your cup of tea.
Dislike Non-English Lyrics: For listeners who prefer their metal with English lyrics, the Romanian lyrics in this album might be a barrier. The cultural and linguistic elements are integral to the album’s charm but may not appeal to everyone.
Are Not Fond of Atmospheric or Experimental Music: If you prefer metal that sticks to traditional boundaries without venturing into atmospheric or experimental territories, you might find this album’s progressive and ambient elements less appealing.
Seek Immediate and Aggressive Music: Those looking for immediate aggression and constant high energy might find the album’s atmospheric and introspective passages a bit slow or mellow in comparison to more relentless metal albums.
Do Not Enjoy Long, Conceptual Tracks: The tracks on this album are long and conceptually driven, which might not suit listeners who prefer shorter, more self-contained songs. The progressive nature of the compositions requires patience and an appreciation for gradual musical evolution.