Bucium are a five piece rock/prog/ambient/folk/metal act from Bucharest, Romania, and Miorita is their latest album release, which came out in late 2017. Enclosed in a larger, near LP styled package, the CD even looks like a miniature vinyl disc, and the set comes with a host of cards, one each for each song, loaded with gorgeous artwork and lyrics, all sung by the way in their native tongue. Calling anything here 'metal' is pretty much a stretch, as it's safe to say that lovers of Eastern European progressive rock will find lots to love here. Vocals throughout are quite good and somewhat romantic, reminding a bit of the classic Italian prog vocalists, and with all the wispy violin, acoustic guitars, and ethnic instruments, there's a definite 'Romanian gypsy' flair to many of these tracks. Mid-tempo arrangements abound, at times things fall into a folky lull or ambient soundscapes, but there are a few moments that approach symphonic bombast, mostly on the engaging closer "Sus la Cheia Raiului", which really takes the album out on a high note.
Overall, a pleasant listen with some nice musical passages and great vocals, an easy recommendations to anyone into ambient, folky prog-rock.
Track Listing
01. Miorita
02. Codrule, Maria Ta
03. Frunza Verde de Trei Flori
04. Frunza Verde Foi Marunte
05. Mirel Tinerelu'
06. Rai
07. Voinicel Instelat
08. Cand De-Acasa Am Plecat
09. La Marginea Codrului
10. Zorile
11. Cantecel De Asfintit
12. Mandra Mea Nu Ma Certa
13. Sus la Cheia Raiului