I have a strong preference for music in a language I can understand, if nothing else than for the opportunity to mumble along. But “Návaz”, the latest album from Czech band Silent Stream Of Godless Elegy, is a little gem, even if I can’t understand a word of the Czech lyrics.
Návaz, like the previous albums is a doom metal album with strong influences from Moravian folk music and lore. What I like most about this album are the heavy contrasts: Quick, playful violins against slow, drudging guitar riffs; soft female voice against harsh male voices; traditional folk instruments and musical themes against modern metal.

Here is the opening track, Mokoš, which I think is quite representative:

Those who don’t have the stomach for the above, thinking it is too noisy, might still enjoy the songs Sudice or Samodiva. More samples are available on their Myspace page. You can find the album at Amazon.

If you liked this music you should also consider checking out In Via (2010) by Illuminandi. Style wise it leans closer to gothic metal, more gloomy and bleak, but overall very much the same type of feel.