Origin: Russia
Location: Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk Oblast
Formed: 2009
Status: Active
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Label: Independent
Themes: Nature
Years active: 2009–present
Elderwind is one of the most influential and widely respected atmospheric black metal projects to emerge from Russia in the last two decades. Founded in 2009 in Yekaterinburg by multi‑instrumentalist Persy, the project was conceived as a tribute to the beauty, vastness, and spiritual resonance of the natural world. Elderwind’s music is defined by sweeping melodic passages, immersive ambient layers, and a serene, almost meditative approach to black metal that has earned the band a devoted international following.
For three years, Persy worked alone, shaping Elderwind’s sonic identity through experimentation and careful refinement. In 2012, he was joined by vocalist Alexander Sinyugin and drummer Andrey Bykov, and together they recorded the debut full‑length Волшебство живой природы / The Magic of Nature. Released the same year, the album became an underground landmark. Its warm, expansive soundscapes and reverent portrayal of nature resonated deeply with listeners, earning widespread acclaim and establishing Elderwind as a leading force in atmospheric black metal. Reviews consistently praised the album’s emotional depth, melodic richness, and ability to evoke the tranquility and majesty of the natural world.
In 2014, Elderwind contributed to the split Through the Ocean to the Stars, further expanding their reach. The project continued to evolve, and in 2018 released two significant works: the split Mater Natura Excelsa and the full‑length Чем холоднее ночь / The Colder the Night. The latter was celebrated for its colder, more introspective tone, blending shimmering guitar layers with melancholic atmospheres. Critics highlighted its balance of beauty and sorrow, noting how Elderwind had matured into a project capable of expressing both serenity and emotional weight.
The single Flammifer (2018) and The Relict (2020) demonstrated the band’s continued commitment to crafting evocative, nature‑driven compositions. In 2021, Elderwind released Fires, a full‑length that marked a return to warmer, more luminous soundscapes. The album was praised for its uplifting melodies and its ability to convey both the fragility and resilience of nature. Many listeners consider Fires one of the project’s most emotionally resonant works.
Elderwind’s lineup solidified over time, with Persy remaining the creative core while new members brought additional depth and dynamism. Vocalist Alexander Shirochenko, bassist Dmitry Mazur, and drummer Andrey contributed to a fuller, more expressive sound, both in studio recordings and live performances. Their involvement also connected Elderwind to a broader network of Ural and Siberian atmospheric black metal acts, including Gherzen, Ignis, and Eisflammen.
In 2024, the single Prospectors hinted at the band’s next evolution, leading into the 2025 full‑length Древнее древних / Older than Ancient. This album embraced a grander, more mythic atmosphere, weaving together Elderwind’s signature melodic warmth with a deeper sense of ancient natural mysticism. It stands as a culmination of the band’s long‑standing devotion to portraying nature not only as a landscape, but as a living, spiritual force.
Elderwind remains a cornerstone of modern atmospheric black metal—an artist whose work consistently evokes awe, tranquility, and reverence for the natural world. Their discography continues to inspire listeners seeking beauty, introspection, and emotional depth within the genre.
Current lineup
Past members