Negură Bunget: Zi (2016)

“Zi,” the 2016 album by Negură Bunget, is the second installment of a trilogy that delves into the traditional life of Transylvania, blending black metal with Romanian folk elements. Recorded at their own Negura Music Studio, the album features an array of traditional instruments like the tulnic and nai, creating a rich, atmospheric soundscape that pays homage to their cultural roots.

Track Listing

Tul-ni-că-rînd
Grădina stelelor
Brazdă dă foc
Baciu moșneag
Stanciu Gruiul
Marea cea mare

Album length: 48:48

Music genre

Black metal, Atmospheric black metal

The Lineup for the Album

Negru: drums, percussion, dulcimer, tulnic
Ovidiu Corodan: bass
Petrică Ionuţescu: flute, nai, kaval, tulnic
Adi “OQ” Neagoe: guitars, vocals, keyboards
Tibor Kati: vocals, guitars, keyboards, programming

Release Date

September 30, 2016

Record Label

Lupus Lounge

Recording Studio

Negura Music Studio (Timișoara, Romania)

Produced by

Mihai Neagoe

Album Themes/Concept

Nature and the Elements: The album “Zi” delves deeply into themes surrounding nature and the elements, reflecting the band’s Romanian heritage and their connection to the natural world. Tracks like “Grădina stelelor” (Garden of Stars) and “Marea cea mare” (The Great Sea) evoke imagery of the cosmos and the vastness of natural landscapes. The lyrics often describe the beauty and power of the natural world, encouraging listeners to appreciate and reflect on the environment around them.

Romanian Folklore and Mythology: Negură Bunget is known for infusing their music with elements of Romanian folklore and mythology. The album “Zi” is no exception, with songs that draw inspiration from ancient stories, legends, and traditional beliefs. This theme is particularly evident in tracks such as “Baciu moșneag,” which explores mythical figures and ancestral tales. The lyrics weave a tapestry of Romania’s rich cultural heritage, providing a sense of mysticism and depth.

Spirituality and Transcendence: Spirituality is a recurring theme throughout the album. The lyrics often explore the connection between the human spirit and the universe, touching on concepts of transcendence and metaphysical journeys. Songs like “Tul-ni-că-rînd” (Horn-ing) suggest a journey or a call to higher understanding, using metaphoric language to convey spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

Reflection on Life and Existence: The album also reflects on existential themes, pondering the nature of life, death, and human existence. The lyrical content encourages introspection and contemplation of one’s place in the world. For example, “Brazdă dă foc” (Furrow of Fire) can be interpreted as a meditation on life’s struggles and the transformative power of overcoming adversity.

Traditional and Modern Influences: “Zi” bridges the gap between traditional Romanian music and modern metal. The band employs traditional instruments and melodies alongside metal riffs and harsh vocals, creating a unique soundscape that respects the past while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. This fusion is evident in the lyrical themes, which often juxtapose ancient wisdom with modern existential queries.

Album Mood

Atmospheric and Ethereal: The album “Zi” exudes an atmospheric and ethereal mood that immerses listeners into a mystical journey through soundscapes that feel both ancient and timeless. The use of traditional Romanian instruments such as the tulnic, nai, and kaval alongside modern metal elements creates a rich, layered atmosphere that transports listeners to otherworldly realms. This ethereal quality is a hallmark of Negură Bunget’s music, offering a deeply immersive experience.

Reflective and Contemplative: The mood of “Zi” is highly reflective and contemplative. The lyrics and instrumental arrangements encourage introspection and a deep sense of thoughtfulness. Tracks like “Grădina stelelor” and “Marea cea mare” provide moments of quiet reflection, inviting listeners to ponder the vastness of the universe and their place within it. The contemplative nature of the album makes it suitable for those looking for music that goes beyond mere entertainment to provoke deeper thoughts and emotions.

Dark and Mystical: “Zi” is imbued with a dark and mystical aura that aligns with its lyrical themes of folklore, spirituality, and nature. The music often evokes a sense of ancient mysticism, with haunting melodies and ritualistic rhythms that conjure images of old-world rituals and ceremonies. This dark, mystical vibe is particularly prominent in tracks like “Brazdă dă foc” and “Baciu moșneag,” which blend the eerie and the sacred.

Dynamic and Powerful: Despite its reflective and mystical qualities, “Zi” is also dynamic and powerful, featuring intense, driving metal sections that convey a sense of urgency and strength. The interplay between softer, atmospheric passages and heavier, more aggressive moments creates a dynamic listening experience that keeps the listener engaged. Songs like “Stanciu Gruiul” showcase the band’s ability to transition seamlessly between these contrasting moods.

Cultural and Earthy: The album has a strong cultural and earthy feel, deeply rooted in Romanian traditions and landscapes. The use of native instruments and folk melodies grounds the music in the earthiness of Romanian heritage, offering a tactile connection to the land and its stories. This cultural richness adds an authentic layer to the overall mood of the album, making it a tribute to the band’s origins and cultural identity.

Album Trivia

The “Transylvanian Trilogy” Context: The album “Zi” by Negură Bunget is the second part of the band’s ambitious “Transylvanian Trilogy.” This trilogy is a thematic exploration of Transylvania’s natural landscapes, history, and mythology. The first part, “Tău,” focuses on the natural landscapes of the region, while “Zi” delves into the everyday life, traditions, and spirituality of the people living in Transylvania. The trilogy aims to paint a comprehensive picture of Transylvanian culture and heritage through its music and lyrical content.

Band Lineup Changes and Negru’s Vision: One of the most significant anecdotes related to “Zi” is the lineup changes the band underwent during its production. Negură Bunget’s drummer and founder, Negru (Gabriel Mafa), restructured the band multiple times to achieve his vision for the trilogy. Negru’s dedication to integrating traditional Romanian instruments and sounds into their black metal roots is evident in “Zi” and contributed to the album’s unique sound.

Incorporation of Traditional Instruments: “Zi” is noted for its extensive use of traditional Romanian instruments, such as the nai (pan flute), tulnic (a type of wooden horn), and various types of flutes and percussion. This choice was part of Negru’s vision to merge black metal with Romanian folk music, creating a distinctive and authentic sound that stands out in the metal genre.

Positive Critical Reception: The album received positive reviews for its ambitious scope and execution. Critics praised its blend of traditional and modern elements, noting that “Zi” is both challenging and rewarding, with its intricate compositions and atmospheric depth. The album’s ability to convey a deep sense of place and culture resonated with many listeners.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Love Atmospheric and Folk Influences in Metal: If you’re a fan of atmospheric black metal bands like Agalloch or Drudkh that incorporate folk elements and nature themes into their music, “Zi” will likely resonate with you. The blend of traditional Romanian instruments and modern metal creates a unique and immersive experience.
Appreciate Concept Albums: For those who enjoy concept albums with a strong narrative or thematic continuity, “Zi” offers a rich, multi-layered journey. It’s part of a trilogy that explores the elements of traditional Transylvanian life, providing a deep and cohesive storytelling experience through music.
Seek Out Unique Cultural Experiences: If you have an interest in exploring different cultures through music, “Zi” offers an authentic glimpse into Romanian heritage and folklore. The band’s use of traditional instruments and themes deeply rooted in their native Transylvania provides a cultural richness that is both educational and entertaining.
Enjoy Progressive and Experimental Metal: Fans of progressive metal who appreciate bands that push the boundaries of genre conventions will find “Zi” intriguing. The album’s complex arrangements, diverse instrumentation, and blending of metal with traditional music showcase Negură Bunget’s innovative spirit.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer Straightforward, Aggressive Metal: If your preference leans towards pure, unadulterated black metal or other straightforward metal subgenres without much experimentation or atmospheric elements, “Zi” might not be your cup of tea. The album’s heavy use of folk instruments and ambient passages could feel too divergent from traditional metal for some listeners.
Dislike Non-English Lyrics: “Zi” features lyrics predominantly in Romanian, which might be a barrier if you prefer understanding the lyrics directly without needing translations. The language adds to the album’s authenticity, but it could detract from the experience if you value lyrical comprehension highly.
Have a Short Attention Span for Long Tracks: The album includes long, winding tracks with extensive instrumental sections and progressive compositions. If you prefer shorter, more direct songs, the length and structure of “Zi” might be a bit challenging to engage with fully.
Are Looking for High-Tempo, High-Energy Music: While “Zi” has its powerful and dynamic moments, much of the album is characterized by slower tempos and atmospheric build-ups. If you’re in the mood for fast-paced, high-energy metal, this album’s more contemplative and atmospheric nature might not align with your expectations