Metalcatto
How would you call a band that has folk sounds straight out of Scotland, sings in Italian, and riffs like a German Post-Metal band? Well, Duir seems to be the name, and Catarsi caught me off guard for once in my life. I’m not saying get excited yet, but you’d be right to believe that the artwork promises something interesting. And sure, this album is interesting—but is it good? The tracks are long and the mood is depressing, so is it going to get drony? Let’s find out.
Catarsi is what happens when you mix Ellende with Saor and somehow end up with Italian Grima. It’s a heart-wrenching, cathartic, and turbulent trip that, despite having mostly long tracks, stays captivating. There’s so much passion in this thing. I know most of these albums are supposed to represent nature, but Catarsi also portrays human tragedy pretty well. It’s not only mountains and lakes—there’s a more personal space in the music, a sense of loss and longing that feels deeply human.
I know that the bagpipes are what most of you are going to notice and find fresh. However, I’d like to recognize the vocals here. They’re so raw and visceral. It shows that the Italian language has a lot of Black Metal potential. It expresses so much emotion. Now, don’t get me wrong—the riffs create a fascinating atmosphere as well. The album’s individual elements wouldn’t stand out on their own, but together they really feel like they’ve dropped us right into the time of the Black Death. So, time for the actual pain.
Okay, I love this album. It caught me off guard. But I must admit that there’s so much influence from other bands here that if you’re not into bagpipes—a polarizing subject, I know—you’re not going to find Duir so different from other Black Folk or Post-Black acts. The album could use a shorter track in the middle perhaps, but maybe that’s just me getting used to all these pointless interludes so many bands put me through. Yet my complaints are minimal, because Catarsi is loyal to its name.
Yay, Folk Metal that doesn’t suck. Maybe my bar was low. Maybe the niche is too saturated. But I believe Duir definitely stands out from the peasantry and offers an experience that could convert more than one skeptic, while also being loved by all the Black/Folk diehards. On a side note, I’ve read these guys are from Verona. Is it true the place is awesome? Let me know—I’m planning a trip to the boot. Cheers.
Label: AOP Records
Release date: 26th July, 2026
Website: duir.bandcamp.com
Country: Italy
Score: 4.0/5.0
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