BELARDIAK El Umbral de la Pampa CD

Belardiak is an atmospheric neofolk project hailing from Chile, envisioned and brought to life by the musician known as Ngen-Winkul. In 2023, the project captured the attention of the underground folk and metal scenes with the release of the EP titled El Umbral De La Pampa, a collaborative release put out by the labels Remparts Productions and Acid Vicious. Across its seven tracks, the EP weaves a deeply melancholic and nature-inspired tapestry, blending acoustic guitar arrangements with haunting synthesizer backdrops that reflect the isolation and raw beauty of the southern Chilean landscapes. The musical journey of the EP opens with Vago Otoño En El Monte, a piece that sets a somber, autumnal tone, which flows naturally into the extended, atmospheric evocative tones of Una Cosecha En Abril. The third track, Chicha Y Hágale, offers a brief but distinct interlude before leading into the title track, El Umbral De La Pampa, which serves as the thematic and emotional centerpiece of the entire record. The project then explores more mystical territories with Isilune Uneak, followed by the bleak and frosty atmosphere of Agonía En Invierno. Finally, Belardiak closes the EP with a surprising and deeply transformed rendition of Abigail, a cover song originally by the well-known depressive black metal band Happy Days, reinterpreting the track's inherent despair through a minimalist, acoustic neofolk lens.