Known in the United States, there is a subgenre often referred to as Southern Gothic. Often employing a rough and rustic approach, the subgenre is synonymous with bringing a certain darkness to folk music. Siberia's own Cult Black Venus are the Russian equivalent, self describing as "Northern Gothic". Helmed solely by vocalist and composer Anastasia Zelenskaya, Cult Black Venus is inspired heavily by the gothic cultural movement and the nature of her native Siberia. What she brings is that rustic charm and grit encased in soundscapes as icy as the Siberian winters, which swirl and intertwine with her soft and ethereal voice. "So Sweet" sets the tone for the 8 track long album, and excels as the opener, captivating the listener with a thrumming beat and gritty electronics. Carried by a lilting piano, the next two songs mesmerize and entrance the listener; it is so easy to visualize falling snow to "Burial Roses" and "In Our Secret Place", encouraged by the trance-like pace of the music. The beat quickens on "Dark Forest", as airy instrumentals flow to a pulse set by the percussion and the whispered count along rhyme. The album ends on a mystical note with the instrumental track "The Magic Mountain". Again we are treated to the thrumming, pulsing beat of bass and a simulated heartbeat, all while ambient keys and electronics dance so softly in the background. Halfway through, the tone becomes more intense and heavier, drums pounding a tattoo as the keys turn sinister, swelling to a satisfying conclusion. With so much incredible music coming from the Slavic nations, Cult Black Venus should absolutely be on your radar. "Perfume" is a near-perfect album in tone, pacing, and structure, and it would be criminal to pass it up.
Standout Tracks: "Dark Forest" and "My Lovely Boy Death"
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