Ukrainian black metal entity WINDSWEPT has completed preparations for its fourth studio album, "A Sign of the Cloven Hoof". Led by Roman Saenko, the band will release the new record on September 25 through Primitive Reaction in CD and vinyl formats.

WINDSWEPT stands as one of the creative outlets of Roman Saenko, a prominent figure in the black metal underground. Known for his work with cult acts such as DRUDKH and HATE FOREST, Saenko continues to channel his distinctive sense of dark atmosphere through this project as well. Built around cold, hypnotic, and densely layered riff structures, WINDSWEPT’s sound creates its own identity while remaining firmly rooted in the traditional black metal tradition.

In 2024, the band joined forces with Primitive Reaction for the release of the mini-album "Der eine, wahre König". The upcoming "A Sign of the Cloven Hoof" continues this collaboration. Among the album’s primary inspirations are Ukrainian demonology and the early dark tales of writer Mykola Gogol.

Across its approximately 35-minute runtime, WINDSWEPT maintains its harsh and uncompromising approach while expanding the scope of its compositions. Tracks exceeding the ten-minute mark take the band’s atmospheric vision to a deeper level. The 11-minute opening track "Behind the Masks of Piety" stands as one of the clearest examples of this direction, with its sustained tension and striking atmospheric passages.

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"A Sign of the Cloven Hoof" emerges as a record that preserves WINDSWEPT’s stripped-down yet powerful approach, highlighting the balance between intensity and atmosphere. The band once again reveals its own dark universe through a direct and forceful musical expression that leaves no room for unnecessary embellishment.

The new track "Buried Face Down" from the album is now available through Primitive Reaction’s official YouTube channel. The album artwork and tracklisting will be revealed in the coming days.

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