Beer Bear - "Beyond the Invisible Line"

The second full-length album from Moscow's folk-metal band Beer Bear marks a significant evolution in both their recording approach and thematic content. Set on the edge of the magical bear forest featured in their debut album, this new album introduces a tavern where bears, adorned with Polish fur hats, indulge in ogonemod — a honey-based vodka — and sing lively tunes. The band's new logo features a Lithuanian cross atop a mug of beer, symbolizing a shift towards the aesthetics of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Musically, Beer Bear has embraced a more robust and technical sound, incorporating elements like sabre clashing and gunpowder explosions. Their compositions now include a rich array of instruments such as alto, violin, flute, keyboards, hurdy-gurdy, balalaika, and accordion, appealing to fans of melodic arrangements reminiscent of bands like Eluveitie and Korpiklaani. Notable musicians from groups like Tień Słońca, Butterfly Temple, MystTerra, and Kalevala contributed to the album's recordings.

Just like their debut album, "Med," "Beyond the Invisible Line" presents a juxtaposition. It is divided into two parts: the first half consists of exuberant and rollicking songs about the drunken adventures of these boisterous bears, while the latter half features more serious, epic tracks filled with reflections on life and destiny. The album comes with a colorful, richly illustrated booklet designed by the talented Romanian artist Laura Sava, adding a visual dimension that complements the auditory experience.