Nine years after their debut full-length opus, the Canadian melodic/progressive black metal band with Bulgarian roots Цар Стангра (Tsar Stangra) return with their sophomore offering, “Химните на разрушените светове (Hymns of the Broken Worlds)”, out now via GlobMetal Promotions and Eastern Hammer Productions. All music for the album was recorded at Holywaves Studio by Olivier Vaillancourt-Girard and Stanislav Stefanovski, mixed by Stanislav Stefanovski and mastered by Olivier Vaillancourt-Girard.

The new album delves into Bulgarian history, folklore, pagan traditions, exile, heritage and ancestral memory. Forged in Québec and sung entirely in Bulgarian language, “Химните на разрушените светове (Hymns of the Broken Worlds)” is a journey through forgotten kingdoms, shattered faiths and war, awaiting  the return of ancient gods. Eight hymns. One fire. One story.

The cover art was crafted by Paolo Girardi and presents a painting of kukeri setting the Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica aflame. The band shares about the different layers of the meaning behind the artwork : “The image is layered by meaning. The eternal conflict between Paganism and Christianity. The violent collision of Bulgarian and Québécois cultural identities. Kukeri – ancient ritual guardians who drive away evil – here turned against Christian domination. A personal symbol – every rehearsal meant passing before this cathedral… a monument watching over a chapter of life now reduced to ashes”.

Paolo Girardi added his own vision when it comes to the artwork: “Paganism returning to the present with all its strength and dark mystery. The ancient world rising again to crush the symbols of foolish civilization.”

Tracklist:
1. Тракийци –  Черни химни за изгубените
(Thracians –  Black Hymns for the Lost Ones)
2. Хан Аспарух (Khan Asparuh)
3. Черна песен (Black Song)
4. Последният поход (The Final March)
5. Тъга за Юг (Longing for the South)
6. Земни стражи (Guardians of the Earth)
7. Завръщането на родния бог (The Return of the Native God)
8. Българският език (Bulgarian Language)

Follow the official album premiere in the band’s  YouTube channel below:

This album was forged by:
Stanislav Stefanovski :  Vocals, Tambura
Olivier Vaillancourt-Girard : Guitars
Samuel Paré : Guitars
Wayne Barr : Bass
Cindy Tecca : Keyboards
Simon Vaillancourt-Girard : Drums

With guest appearances by:
Fanny Grenier : Vocals
Teodora Stoyanova Freya : Vocals

Follow Цар Стангра:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BANDCAMP