Album Review: Memory by Ivan – A Heavy Trip Down Russia’s Gloomy Lane
If you’re into music that feels like a punch in the gut followed by an existential crisis, then Memory, Ivan’s 2018 release, might just be your new favorite thing. This Russian doom-and-death metal masterpiece is not for the faint of heart—or eardrums. Released under Solitude Productions (a label that knows how to keep things bleak), this album dives deep into despair with two gnarly styles: death metal and doom metal. It’s heavy, it’s haunting, and honestly? It sticks with you.
Let’s talk tracks. First up, “Visions.” Oh man, this one hits hard. From the opening riff, it’s clear Ivan wasn’t messing around when he wrote this beast. The guitars churn like a rusty chainsaw caught in molasses, while the vocals sound like someone gargling gravel during a thunderstorm. But here’s the kicker—it’s catchy as hell. Like, I found myself humming bits of it later, which is weird because most of my brain was still processing whether those growls were human or some kind of demon summoning ritual gone wrong. Either way, “Visions” grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go until long after the last note fades.
Then there’s “Time Is Lost,” which is basically the audio equivalent of staring at a rain-soaked cemetery at midnight. Slow, crushing, and dripping with melancholy, this track drags you through its muddy trenches of despair. The drumming feels like slow-motion avalanches collapsing on top of you, and the melodies are so mournful they could make a stone cry. What makes “Time Is Lost” unforgettable though isn’t just its heaviness—it’s how it builds tension. You know something big is coming, but instead of exploding into chaos, it leaves you hanging, suspended in silence. Brutal yet beautiful, if that makes any sense.
Now, here’s the thing about Memory: it’s not perfect. Some parts feel repetitive, and yeah, maybe the production could’ve been sharper. But honestly? That rough-around-the-edges vibe suits it. This isn’t polished pop-rock designed to sell sneakers; this is raw emotion bottled up and thrown at your face. And frankly, it works.
So would I recommend Memory? Absolutely—if you’re ready to embrace the dark side. Just don’t blame me if you start seeing visions of your own mortality. Weird flex, but okay.
Final thought: Listening to this album feels like attending a funeral where everyone moshes instead of crying. And honestly? That’s kinda awesome.
