RAGANA is a queer antifascist black metal/doom two-piece from so-called Oakland, CA & Olympia, WA. Their 2017 album You Take Nothing was originally released by An Out Recordings and is currently reissued by Contraszt! Rec. in Europe.
Memory is hazy and doesn’t serve me right nowadays, but I think I discovered RAGANA in 2014 through my friend and bandmate Angel, who reviewed them back in the day, and Baphomet knows we’ve went on more than one collaborative ordering sprees in order to obtain copies of their records while keeping shipping prices from the USA somewhat tolerable.
One way or another, RAGANA entered my life at a certain point and opened my mind to a whole new level of appreciation for DIY music. Probably the most important thing about that band (for me) is they make art that is both fragile and fearless. In one way or another, RAGANA are the embodiment of genuinity and the proof that talent and sincerity are truly what counts in underground music. This is why I am really glad that Contraszt! Rec. recently did a reissue of some of their records, which is definitely well deserved attention and a great way to get this music way easier if you’re in Europe.
You Take Nothing contains six tracks that combine the minimalist approach of punk with the depth and fierceness of true black metal. An absolute gem of a record (and band!) that you might enjoy as well.
