Skálmöld (2018) Sorgir 'Review'

Band: Skálmöld

Country of Origin: Iceland

Genre: Folk metal

Type: Full Length

Format: CD Digipak

Length Approx.: 54:00 min.

Release Date: 10-12-2018

Release Label: Napalm Records

IR Classification: Good (4.0 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

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They project their ferocity and aggressiveness brilliantly.

Skálmöld is bringing their fifth full length titled "Sorgir," which means (Sorrow) and as they are accustomed to their lyrics in their native language Icelandic, I find it hard to ignore all their previous recordings especially "Börn Loka" (Loki's Children) released in 2012 because of it's unique sound and wonderful melodies overflowing along the album, contrasting with the epic raw vocals and chants, making it hard to escape from their sound, moving us on their latest album we can appreciate a wrapping dynamic.

The album lasts about fifty-four minutes including nine tracks, all of them are well structured with an anthem feeling, great guitar solos, vigorous drum work to match perfectly the rhythmic section, neat bass lines and of course chants! lots of them backing up the unforgettable harsh vocals, I have not taken the time to translate the songs, but I wouldn't surprise at all for its content. Another great Viking story, the first track "Ljósið " (The Light) has a solid crushing riff which is repetitive in some way, but not annoying, "Sverðið" (Sword) slows down the pace and approaches us more with a grief feeling and the choirs are full of regret. "Brúnin" (The Edge) once again picks up the intensity with a tremendous riff and a superb guitar solo, the drumming is effective as well as simple. "Skotta" is another great song here they display a powerful collective chant very emotive, "Gangári" (Gangs) has a catchy melodic riff, something you will enjoy. "Móri" seriously feels like it doesn't belong to this album in my opinion, it sounds very repetitive, tedious and also long. Then comes "Mara," it could be suffering the same symptoms as the previous track, however this track is more energetic, versatile and keeps you engaged with its folk vibe and a the most beautiful guitar solo in the album. The closing track in the Digipack version is "Höndin sem veggina klórar" (The Hand that Scratches the Walls) is subtle containing the fury that carries with itself, sounds heavy and vastly inspired.

Skálmöld is one of the few bands that knows how to project their ferocity and aggressiveness brilliantly. Something that has been there from the very beginning, they know how to handle and deliver each note, sometimes in a dropper and sometimes a full and stimulating dose, I can tell you this "Sorgir" is absolutely a good album. Musically seems like they have decided to expand their songwriting spectrum, adding more thrashy riffs and grooves in their rhythmic section, but without losing their own identity; However, there are few issues (repetitiveness and length) that forbid me to rank higher this album.

Stay True… Stay Metal… Stay Brutal…

Track List:

01. Ljósið │ 02. Sverðið │ 03. Brúnin │ 04. Barnið │ 05. Skotta │ 06. Gangári │ 07. Móri │ 08. Mara │ 09. Höndin sem Veggina Klórar

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Korpiklaani (2018) Kulkija 'Review'

Band: Korpiklaani

Country of Origin: Finland

Genre: Folk Metal

Type: Full Length

Format: CD

Length Approx.: 01:11:00 min.

Release Date: 09-07-2018

Release Label: Nuclear Blast

IR Classification: Good (4.4 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

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Certainly, one of the best folk metal albums of the year.

I know! Sometimes I tend to post a lot of Death metal and Black metal reviews, more than any other genre, it doesn't mean I don't appreciate other bands out of my favorites genres, such as Korpiklaani and their contagious Folk metal full of melodies. I can't imagine a single one of those big Summer festivals without any folk metal band added to their billboard.

Well, I know lots of us we don't speak Finnish at all, however that inconvenience doesn't prevent us to enjoy and understand the music language, Korpiklaani are really good at that and they exploit it perfectly. Their abilities at songwriting transmits the right feelings, so let's crack the ice and get ready for what's coming up.

Korpiklaani brings us this time "Kulkija" which could be interpreted as (“Wayfarer”), it’s their most complete and longest work they had ever put out together, it contains fourteen ambitious tracks with their purest folk style that they only could create. The Finnish band seems venturous with their seventy-one minutes of production, but believe me, at the end it’s worth every single minute. The opener track "Neito” (Maiden) is a wonderful folkish piece that connects your mind right away with Fintroll and undoubtedly you know what soil you are stepping on. In "Harmaja," its songwriting brings up a somber feeling putting aside the metal aspects to create a sorrowful ambience, another track to highlight is "Sillanrakentaja" (The Bridge Builder) which is play in a semi-slow pace with a darker and memorable riff that keeps you engaged to deliver you a stunning end, exceptionally adding a darker layer with those eerie children's voices. "Henkselipoika" (Suspender Boy) takes you back into the usual Korpiklaani sound, a very well balanced track between Folk and Metal elements, followed by the instrumental "Pellervoinen" that works as an interlude, "Kuin korpi nukkuva" (As the Wilderness Sleep) is powered by some groovy riffs while the violin and accordion intertwine and the unexpected Tango style that ends this track is unique, "Juomamaa" is very versatile with punching riffs that are very joyful due to the fast pace and complex musical arrangement. The closing track is "Tuttu on tie" (The Road is Familiar) which reflects a gloomy vibe that’s heartbreaking, the vocals carry with them a deep feeling of regret and perpetual pain.

I could keep talking about this album for a while, and most likely I wouldn't run out of adjectives to qualify this epic production; but I'm sure I will conclude with the same opinion, this is a great album, despite my personal likes and being objective, "Kulkija" easily has taken a spot to contend as one of the best Folk metal albums of the year.

Stay True... Stay Metal... Stay Brutal...

Track List:

01. Neito
02. Korpikuusen kyynel
03. Aallon alla
04. Harmaja
05. Kotikonnut
06. Korppikalliota
07. Kallon malja
08. Sillanrakentaja
09. Henkselipoika
10. Pellervoinen
11. Riemu
12. Kuin korpi nukkuva
13. Juomamaa
14. Tuttu on tie

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Vanir (2016) Aldar Rök

Band: Vanir

Country of Origin: Denmark

Genre: Viking / Black / Folk metal

Type: Full Length

Format: CD
Length Approx.: 31:00 min.

Release Date: 02-26-2016

Release Label: Mighty Music

IR Classification: Good (4.2 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

A thunderous rebirth, relentless, aggressive and enrapturing

Danish band Vanir, were formed around 2009 in the town of Roskilde, originally playing in the vein of Viking metal with folk elements, they have been very proficient releasing three previous full lengths within five years, their debut album "Særimners kød" came out in 2011, resembling bands like Korpiklaani, Alestorm, Finntroll, their sophomore album entitled "Onwards into Battle" was released one year later in 2012 with a more mature sound, heavy riffing and cheerful folktales, their third effort saw the light during 2014 with the title "The Glorious Dead" shifting very slightly their sound adding more death metal riffs to the Viking core and diminishing folk elements, from the beginning they have counted with full support of their record label Mighty Music and after two years waiting finally they released their fourth album "Aldar Rök" featuring a new line-up and redirecting their sound dramatically.

           

 Vanir seems they are totally dropping the folk elements in "Aldar Rök", there is no more bagpipes and whistles, only keyboards remains in a more symphonic scheme, moving into a black metal style darker, frightening and overwhelming, with a little twist at the end, but before proceeding and get into "Aldar Rök" let's meet their current line-up, which still consist of original members Lars Bundvad in bass, Philip Kaaber in rhythm guitar, Martin Håkan in vocals, Daniel Kronskov who recorded, "The Glorious Dead", he remains behind the drums, Kirk Backarach and Stefan Dujardin lead guitar and keyboards respectively, both are joining forces to enrapture Vanir growing fan base.

"Aldar Rök" it might be short containing seven tracks and barely reaching thirty one minutes, but surprisingly the quality balances the experience in all aspects, the first track "Black Legion" immediately start with a darker eerie intro to unchain rabid riffs and relentless double bass drum, all wrapped in ominous synths and guttural vocals, "Pretorian" evolves in a denser and heavier Viking riff intertwined with some tremolo picking guitar, while the synths builds a sound wall in the background, nuanced with devilish choruses to complete the song, "Unrepentant" structured with bells sounds and bass lines to receive, from afar a quiet guitar that become stronger and punitive, always with melodies that shiver deeply in the soul due to the vocal tone, diversified between raspy and growling, next is "Broken Throne", which exploits with a really catchy and melodic riff, with synths that make a an impressive dual soundscapes, the highs and lows inflict an immeasurable level of adrenaline, this track is a beast and is followed for "Wrath of Sutr" it’s appealing a lot of Amon Amarth's distinctive sound, with galloping riffage very well interwoven with symphonic keyboards, very classic in the Viking vein, "The Serpent" is peppered of death black metal riffing, are thick and corrosive the drums draw a remorselessly blast beat pattern to match the pace, the closing track is "Drukvisen" this is more oriented to their roots where Viking and folk were one, same as the energy capture in their two first albums, the intensity of the riffs and blast beats are amusing, excellent for those who would cry over the folk passages buried in "Aldar Rök", the only missing gem here is the absence of Sara Oddershede, who used to handled the bagpipe and whistles, it is a real shame that we could not enjoy her talent in the last track, maybe it would have been a good idea to have had her back as a special guest.  

The growth they have shown in this new production is undeniable, at some point very dramatic due to the almost zero appearances of folk elements, in the other hand the length becomes an issue, it is true that the quality compensates a lot but at the end you will be craving for more. 

Stay True… Stay Metal… Stay Brutal...

Track List:

01. Black Legion
02. Pretorian
03. Unrepentant
04. Broken Throne
05. Wrath of Sutr
06. The Serpent
07. Drukvisen 

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Borknagar (2016) Winter Thrice

Band: Borknagar

Country of Origin: Norway

Status: Active

Genre: Progressive metal / Viking Folk metal

Type: Full Length

Format: CD Ltd. Edition Digipak
Length Approx.: 57:00 min.

Release Date: 01-22-2016

Current label: Century Media Records

Release label: Century Media Records

IR Classification: Excellent (4.7 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

Winter Thrice grant the listener a satisfying experience

Has passed quite a bit of time since we heard the latest Borknagar production "Urd" released almost four years ago, "Winter Thrice" is their tenth full length, Yes! You listened right, they have just released a new album starting this 2016 in the best shape as they could and being honest with you guys, during the last fifteen years I haven't heard anything that matched their opus titled "Empiricism" back in 2001, were Borknagar began to experiment with some progressive elements rooted into Viking mythology, cosmos and nature.

It is undeniable how Borknagar has evolved over time, polishing their sound that wanders between a mixture of progressive rock, black metal, folk and atmospheric among some other elements, "Winter Thrice" grant to the listener a satisfying experience taking them through a varied landscape of soft tunes built over complex musical structures, vocally speaking they lead you to an epic climax that lingers from the beginning to end.

Borknagar current lineup seems to be the most talented they were able to put together, such an alliance would have been impossible to see a decade ago, but time and space work in wonderful ways and today we can appreciate their work with Øystein Garnes Brun on lead guitars, Jens F. Ryland on rhythm guitars, ICS Vortex on bass and vocals, Lars Are Nedland on keyboard and vocals, Vintersorg on vocals and Baard Kolstad behind the drums all together offer nearly a masterpiece in my opinion.

The first track of the albums is "The Rhymes of the Mountain" built over melodic guitar riff and blasting drums, while the clean vocals battles the harsh vocals, the keyboard layers some fine tunes striving to create an epic ambience, followed by "Winter Thrice" which opens with a soft keyboard and suddenly explodes in your face, seriously this track takes you into a journey between heaven in hell, formidably aggressive and calm at the right moment the wide vocal range gives the whole album another feeling, next is "Cold Runs the River" speed takes over by infected black metal riff layered brilliantly, powerful drums while the growl vocals stand out with terrific clean backing vocals, the remarkable part of this track comes in form of a superb guitar solo, "Panorama" goes more experimental, diving into a more deeper progressive current, but still sound refreshing for a midway album, then comes "When Chaos Calls" with a slightly reminiscence of Vintersorg, it seems that few riff were borrowed by Borknagar and these were infused in this cut, "Erodent" teases the listener with a varied harmony that rarely blast the moment, "Noctilucent" the shortest track in the album reflects the calm and grandiosity that simplicity can achieve, subtle vocals with lilting pace, "Terminus" delivers some vicious black metal riff blended with clean vocals engaging the listener, with countless twist here and there to sound interesting, the limited edition digipak contains a bonus track titled "Dominant Winds" which is an excellent closing track because simply doesn't break the balance crafted along the whole album making worthy to get this version.

While "Winter Thrice" can be really appreciated by fans of Opeth, Enslaved, Mastodon among others, there is another fact in the other hand for fans who want to join the progressive metal wagon this is a excellent choice to start with, for old fans lovers of "The Olden Domains" is not yet time to live those glorious days of yore, but I firmly believe there will be a time for it.

Stay True… Stay Metal… Stay Brutal...

Track List:

1. The Rhymes of the Mountain

2. Winter Thrice

3. Cold Runs the River

4. Panorama
5. When Chaos Calls
6. Erodent
7. Noctilucent
8. Terminus
9. Dominant Winds (Bonus track)




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Berserker (2015) Dark Worlds Collide

Band: Berserker

Country of Origin: Lithuania

Status: Active

Genre: Melodic Death metal / Folk metal

Type: Full Length

Format: Digital

Length Approx.:  44:00 min.

Release Date: 01-18-2015

Current label: Independent

Release label: Independent

IR Classification: Good (4.3 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

Melodic death metal with folk passages harmonized by strong and powerful female vocals

Berserker is a Lithuanian band formed in the capital city Vilnius in the beginning of 2009, they play a Melodic Death metal with some Folk passages, the band is currently integrated by vocalist Agnieška Volček, bassist Roman Semionov, guitarist and backing vocals Kšištof Jusel, keyboardist Kristina Herman, drummer Georgijus Kirilovas and guitarist Mažvydas Vrubliauskas, I have to mention that Agnė Petruškevičiūtė and Vera Bukina played the keybords and flute respectively, however, both departed from the band, after the recording.My first impression when I started to listen to Berserker was like somehow I was able to transport myself in one of those mythic battlefields where mankind has to fight for their own destiny, against themselves, against their own demons, where despair is ruthless, dejected by the darkness that haunts them, while gnawing their own fear and the battlefield is tinged with blood, but at the end mankind prevails, thanks to the courage of few ones who risk and expose their inner and give, a new beginning to mankind.

So with such an apocalyptic vision, I prepare myself to dive into Berserker recording, the first track is an "Intro" in the vein of a pure epic movie, that work really good for me, because set my mind for what's coming, a whole load of musicianship that achieve to move some sensitive cells, the second track is the self titled album "Dark Worlds Collide" here is where things turn up interesting a melody keyboard opens follow by thunderous drums and a galloping bass, while guitars sounds are present to hear a beautiful voice shining, the music is extraordinary, but Agnieška voice is strong and powerful, please don't expect the classic symphonic voice like Tarja or Simone, Agnieška she has her own attributes, the backing vocals are present only to give her deeper accent, "Warhell" start with a war soundtrack which allow the marching drums appear, while the flute added a subtle touch to keep the guitar galloping pace, mesmerizing vocals makes this cut very intense, growl vocals that lead to a subsequent guitar solo well executed, "Madness Machine" the folkish guitar riff in the album accompanied by the sweet flute, builded with simple but effective, musical structures to allow a perfect synchronization between clean vocals and guitar riff, next is "The Day Human Died" an explosive track from the beginning where dynamics change a little bit, creating a subtle battle between clean vocals and harsh vocals, where the listeners wins at the end, the guitars comes with sharp riff, aiming to perpetuate in the time, "Wolf" is a powerful ballad filled with emotions that puts you in a dimension where you are vulnerable, but proves their versatility, "Prelude" is a shores soundtrack, waves hitting the wall of rocks, the wind blowing while thunders lights the skies, only to make way for two of the best tracks from this album "Viking Ship" starts with a folk intro to move you to something easy to recognize in the vein of Amon Amarth riff and the folk passages of Finntroll with the furious vocals of the valkyrie Agnieška, the guitars plays at galloping pace faster, harder while the story is being told and it blends with a sweet flute.

The closing track is "Mūšis už Žemę" which means "(Battle for Earth)" completely sung in lithuanian and for that reason should not be underestimated, this track makes a clear statement, that metal may sound unrelenting even in their own language of origin, basically the last track falls in the same scheme, prolonging the ecstasy, created by Berserker; The album was recorded and mixed in Muzikos Laboratorija studio by Rimtautas Piskarskas.

To finish my review I want to emphasize the quality and level that show Berserker regarding their songwriting, producing a solid, strong debut album and will surely enter more than one list of the best albums of the year.

Stay True... Stay Metal... Stay Brutal...

Track List:

1. Intro

2. Dark Worlds Collide

3. Warhell

4. Madeness Machine

5. The Day Human Die

6. Wolf

7. Prelude

8. Viking Ship

9. Mūšis už Žemę

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