Zîrnindu-să (1996)
Negură Bunget’s debut album, “Zîrnindu-să” (1996), is a raw and primal black metal album with folk influences. The album showcases the band’s early sound and their connection to Romanian folklore and spirituality.
Negură Bunget: Zîrnindu-să (1996)
Originally a cult classic on cassette in 1996, Zîrnindu-să saw wider acclaim with its CD re-release. The album’s raw, even primal energy offers a stark contrast to the band’s later, more atmospheric works. Yet, even in its rawest form, Negură Bunget laid down the foundation for their signature sound, blending black metal ferocity with haunting folk elements and a deeply spiritual connection to their Romanian roots.
Track Listing
- Blăznit
- Negrii
- În Miaz Dă Negru
- Dîn Afundul Adîncului Întrupat
- Pohvala Hulă
- De Rece Sîngie
- Dupre Reci Îmbre
- Vel Proclet
Length: 37:27
Genre
Black metal
Release Date
November, 1996
Record Label
- Bestial Records (cassette)
- Breath of Night Records (CD)
- Darkland Records (CD)
The Lineup for the Album
- Hupogrammos Disciple – guitars, vocals, bass guitar, keyboards
- Negru – drums, percussion
Recording Date
October, 1996
Recording Studio
Magic Sound Studio (Bucharest, Romania)
Produced by
Cristi Solomon
Album Themes/Concept
Nature and the natural world: The album is deeply rooted in the band’s connection to their Romanian heritage and the Carpathian Mountains. The lyrics are full of imagery of forests, mountains, rivers, and the changing seasons.
Paganism and spirituality: Negură Bunget are known for their exploration of pagan and spiritual themes, and this is evident on Zîrnindu-să. The lyrics reference ancient deities, rituals, and beliefs.
Death and the afterlife: The album deals with themes of death, mortality, and the afterlife. The lyrics are often dark and introspective, but they also offer a sense of hope and transcendence.
Nationalism and Romanian identity: Negură Bunget have been described as a “nationalistic” black metal band, and this is reflected on Zîrnindu-să. The lyrics express a pride in Romanian culture and history, and they also touch on themes of national identity and self-determination.
Album Mood
Raw and Aggressive: This is a black metal album, so it naturally has elements of harshness and intensity. The vocals are often rasping or shrieked, guitars are heavily distorted, and the drumming is frantic. This contributes to a sense of primal energy and anger.
Mystical and Atmospheric: Negură Bunget incorporates folk instruments and traditional melodies, creating an otherworldly and haunting feeling. There are sections that feel deeply introspective and melancholic, delving into darker elements of spirituality and existence.
Proud and Defiant: The album’s connection to Romanian heritage often evokes a feeling of pride, strength, and defiance. This might not be an overtly cheerful emotion, but it lends a certain power and determination to the music.
Album Trivia
Humble Beginnings: The album was originally self-released in Romania on cassette format in 1996. Its initial impact was therefore quite limited.
Re-releases and Recognition: The album gained wider recognition when it was re-released in 1998 on CD in the United States by Breath of Night Records. Later re-releases saw the album remastered and repackaged.
“Raw” Production: The original album has a very raw and lo-fi production that’s typical of some early black metal. This adds to its underground, primal feel.
Lyrical Inspiration: The album’s lyrics are a mix of original writings by the band members and adaptations of traditional Romanian Wiccan texts (Wiccan Rede).
Legacy: Zîrnindu-să is often seen as a turning point for Negură Bunget. While maintaining black metal roots, it foreshadowed their evolution into a more atmospheric and folk-oriented sound, which they became highly respected for.
Release Date
November 1, 1996
