There were few bands that captured my imagination and brought my attention to the world of post-metal than Minsk with their still magnificent 2015 album “The Crash and the Draw”. It’s still my favorite record of the genre as it still manages to be excellent even three years after its release, and I’ve been on the lookout for the next band to really astound me for post-metal. Just when I thought the genre didn’t have anything for me, here comes Minsk with another offering stellar post-metal that’s just what I needed, and this time they brought friends.

The beauty of many splits is how it can simply be two similar bands jamming out between four tracks with each having one half to do whatever they do, and then sometimes it’s a collaboration to create a greater first of art that’s incredibly ambitious that can go in literally any direction. What both Minsk and Zatokrev do here with “Bigod” feels like a combination of the two as each group clearly have two of the four tracks to call their own, but the whole of this split feels like a continuous experience that flows amazingly from one track to the next. The only real difference here in terms of style between the two acts is how Minsk makes their offerings feel more tribal at some times than Zatokrev, but even then Zatokrev responds appropriately with the beautiful ambiance that is “Salvatore” that contrasts perfectly with Zatokrev’s previous song while also complimenting what Minsk goes for. Even then, both Minsk and Zatokrev seem to work together to make “Bigod” feel like a cohesive effort that feels like both bands are working towards creating one drawn out track that has all the ups and downs, flavors, and intricacies that both bands execute wondrously. With all that, each act allows their respective offerings feel solid by all by themselves which, all things taken into account, is a tremendous feat that results in “Bigod” being a treat that just keeps on giving!

While my knowledge of post-metal is still inexcusably low, I can’t help but feel like Minsk and Zatokrev have given us one of the grand listens of the genre that we’re likely to get this year whether you’re completely new to the genre, still getting into like myself or a long time veteran. But no matter which what you cut it, “Bigod” is an experience that absolutely must be given the proper listen.

LISTEN to Zatokrev’s half of “Bigod” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Minsk on Facebook here.

LIKE Zatokrev on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Minsk on Twitter: @MinskBand

FOLLOW Zatokrev on Twitter: @zatokrev