Origin: Russia
Location: Novomoskovsk, Tula Oblast
Formed: 2010
Status: Active
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal (early); Melodic Death Metal (later)
Label: Dark East Productions
Themes: Not officially listed
Years active: 2010–present
Gartraada is a Russian metal band from Novomoskovsk, founded in 2010 and known for its evolution from cold, atmospheric black metal into a more melodic, aggressive, and modern melodic death metal sound. The project began with a strong emphasis on winter‑bound atmospheres, tremolo‑driven riffs, and a raw, nature‑inspired aesthetic typical of early Russian atmospheric black metal. Over time, Gartraada shifted toward a heavier, more structured melodic death metal approach, incorporating clearer production, tighter musicianship, and a more dynamic songwriting style.
The band’s earliest material includes an unreleased 2010 demo (three tracks, format unknown) and the Demo 2011, which captured their formative atmospheric black metal sound—icy riffs, melancholic melodies, and a raw, unpolished emotional tone. Their debut full‑length, A Night of Winter Solstice (2013), expanded on this foundation with a more cohesive and expressive approach, blending atmospheric black metal with melodic passages and a strong sense of seasonal, winter‑themed storytelling.
After several years of lineup changes and stylistic refinement, Gartraada returned in 2020 with Embrace of the Cold Barents Sea, a full‑length that marked a significant shift toward melodic death metal. The album showcased heavier guitar work, more aggressive rhythms, and a clearer, more modern production style while retaining the band’s characteristic cold atmosphere. This release solidified Gartraada’s identity as a hybrid act capable of merging atmospheric black metal roots with melodic death metal intensity.
Throughout its history, Gartraada has undergone numerous lineup changes, with guitarist Pavel Zheltikov remaining the band’s central figure since its formation. The addition of bassist Evgeny Karvatsky and drummer Nikolay Bryzgalov in 2019 helped stabilize the lineup and contributed to the band’s more polished and forceful later sound.
Gartraada continues to operate under Dark East Productions, maintaining a presence in the Russian underground through its blend of cold atmospheres, melodic aggression, and evolving stylistic identity.
Current lineup
Past members