#45: Ulytau (Ұлытау)
Heavy, but fine, smooth and refreshing, this lone group is a shining icon amidst the vastness of the Kazakh steppes.
Background Info (consolidated from different websites)
Country of origin: Kazakhstan
Location: Almaty
Status: Active
Formed in: 2001
Genre: folk metal, neo-classical metal
Lyrical themes: instrumental
Current label: ABK Records
Years active: 2001-present
Ulytau’s heavy metal style, particularly in their only full band album so far, Jymyr-Kylysh (2006), is easy recognizable. Not too heavy compared to the majority of folk metal/folk-inspired metal artists, the band’s instrumental sound gives more way to its uniquely defining feature — the hypnotic dombyra, a traditional lute. The violin providing the melody and the dombyra, the rhythmic patterns, the effect is both dramatic and uplifting.
Favorite Albums:
- Jumyr-Kylysh (2006)
Favorite Songs:
- Adai (Jumyr-Kylysh)
- Kara-Zhorga (Single, 2012)
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