Skalmold - Ýdalir

 

After five long years the Icelandic viking metal legends Skalmold are back with Ydalir, their widest ranging and most ambitious offering to date. This is a potent release in an era where very few viking metal releases seem to penetrate the metal zeitgeist. Ydalir is an impressive offering though, tapping into so many of the things that has made Skalmold such a force historically, from epic choruses to the excellent melody lines and fist pumping songs guaranteed to keep listeners coming back in search of more viking adventures. 

Ydalir stuns with the way it's a clear labor of love. Songs like "Verdandi" feel far more multi layered than anything the band has done in the past and speak to their gradual evolution as a group of performers. When a band takes this long of a gap between releases you hope that it's to create something transcendent, and while Skalmold may not have reached those heights, this is most certainly the best work of their career. These songs see the band executing at the highest level they ever have and encourage listeners to dig deep into a vision of longships and mythology. There is something wonderfully old feeling about Skalmold and they lean into it more than ever on this album. 

Skalmold have left me enthralled with this latest offering and it's far too much fun to experience the crush of Ydalir. This is a record that has gone above and beyond to be a tour de force of what has made Skalmold so special throughout their careers. Bringing new blood to old sagas Skalmold have found a way to make Ydalir some of their most compelling work to date and to ensure that fans are going to keep coming back. This is what viking metal was always meant to be about. Are you ready to form the shield wall? 

Pre-order the album!

https://skalmold.c22agency.com/

Ereb Altor - Vargtimman

Ereb Altor is one of those bands who I feel had a late period renaissance in their career. Ever since 2019's masterful Jartecken the bands unique breed of Bathory-worshiping epic viking metal has started to reach a brand new level. Vargtimman is simply the next step on that journey, takingl listeners on a journey across the forests and the fjords as they unveil a truly masterful set of blackened offerings that splay out in a display of crushing viking might that few of the bands peers could ever match. The end result is a mind warping and potent offering. 

The epic nature of the music fused with the brilliant arrangements makes for an album tthat you just want to keep coming back too. In particular the vocal performances on this album, and the way that they decorate songs like "Ner I Morket" is truly exceptional. It speaks to the kind of performers that Ereb Altor are and their ability to craft deeply emotional works. In fact I might even say that Vargtimman is some of the mot emotional work of their career. It's a record full of bold ministrations, a clear vision and a passion to keep evolving that so many of the bands peers can only gawk at. Being able to do all this while staying true to their Bathroy influenced core is all the more impressive.

So yeah - this is a special and interesting record. Vargtimman sees the band pushing their sound ever forward with stronger writing and more emotion than ever before. This is a record that is at times aggressively atavistic, but that's a crucial part of the appeal. Vargtimman sees Ereb Altor really leaning into the classic black metal magic that makes them so special but which continually also manages to step up the game and uncover bold new visions for a dark black metal future. Join them on their journey, this is viking metal the way Quorthon intended.

Pre-order the album!

https://erebaltorhhr.bandcamp.com/album/vargtimman

Ereb Altor - Eldens Boning

I've always had a soft spot for Ereb Altor. Their particular brand of Bathory inspired viking metal was always particularly interesting to me. In fact - I felt like their most recent record, 2019's Jartecken was one of their best to date. Their new EP, Eldens Boning is absolutely massive sounding. It's a record that, even though it's a mere four songs, hints at a very exciting future for the band and which again serves to broaden their sound. It's a real delight for any of us who remain Bathory obsessed and would like to hear more of that sort of stuff. 

One of the most striking things about Eldens Boning to me is the power of the vocals. They've taken a quantum leap forward. The album opener, 'Twilight Ship' is a stunner and it immediately showcases Ragnar's vocals executing at their highest level. It's exciting to hear unfold and really speaks to the level of talent they are bringing to the table. While there are certainly moments on this record that could use more development, the overall vibe of Eldens Boning is epic. I'd love to hear more in this vein from the band, but I get it. You have the songs that you have. Still - even for something that weighs in just over 23 minutes, this is an exciting offering. 

Immerse yourself in the layers here and let the synths wash over you. The epic viking metal unveiled by Ereb Altor on this EP is incredibly fun to really immerse yourself in. There's just so much about Eldens Boning to unpack. It's more than worth multiple listens. Ereb Altor have done a fantastic job in continually unveiling gorgeous new layers of sound and hinting at epic new soundscapes. There are few viking metal bands today who tie into the roots of the genre in such a poetic and elegant way, but Ereb Altor do a fantastic job of just that. 

Pre-order the album!

https://hammerheartstore.com/collections/vendors?q=Ereb%20Altor

Einherjer - North Star

It's rare to find a band who, after 25 years, are still creating some of their best work to date. Such is the case with Einherjer's new album North Star. The band who started out as one of the pioneers of viking metal have found a way to continue to capture the imagination and prove to listeners time and time again that they are among the best at this North Star, an album recorded in the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic is one of the bands most intense and satisfying releases to date, a crushing offering that is delicious in its madness. 

On North Star one finds all of your favorite classic Einherjer tropes. There remains the focus on black metal influences, but also quite a few interesting folk melodies. The band spurns transcendence for the berserker rage of their namesakes. North Star also charms with the breadth of the execution found on this record. The production as a general rule is great, but it's good to hear Einherjer continuing to push themselves into interesting new corners and invoking forgotten old gods on this new album. It makes for a delicious listening experience. This is why we all immersed ourselves into viking metal in the first place right? 

North Star is a fascinating offering, and while it certainly does not reinvent the wheel for these Norwegian metallers, it certainly does show that the bands best days may still be ahead of them - an impressive feat a quarter of a century in. So sink your teeth into the madness, embrace the viking metal fury of North Star and understand there are so many fascinating layers to come from a band like this. Einherjer fundamentally understand viking metal, in large part because they helped found it. The deeper you delve, the more you will love it.  

Pre-order the album!

https://smarturl.it/Einherjer-NorthStar

Ereb Altor - Jartecken

Ereb Altor are one of a kind. In fact it's kind of embarrassing that I forget just how good they are. This is a band who took the promise of viking metal and act as direct heirs to Bathory. I am genuinely convinced that Jartecken is exactly the sort of music Quorthon would be making had he continued into 2019. It's hard not to be enamored with the work of Ereb Altor if you love traditional viking metal, and the more time that I spend with Ereb Altor the more that I have once more fallen deeply in love with this band.

What's stunning about Jartecken other than the depth of the composition is that its the bands ninth release since 2008. Many lesser bands would have shuddered at this sort of output, but for Ereb Altor it's just par for the course. The execution throughout Jartecken is flawless - it continually hints at bold new levels for the band to take and promises a wonderfully twisted tomorrow. This is the sort of record that spits in the face of the party viking bands of yesteryear and instead embraces the bombastic majesty of true viking metal. It's rare to find a record that so perfectly understands a genre, but here we are. 

There's everything on this record from ancient chants worthy of Wardruna to epic heavy metal heroics. Jartecken drives from front to back with transcendent riffage and intricate songwriting. this is the sort of recor that takes you on a journey and which you can't put down. If you don't want to listen to Jartecken from front to back within thirty seconds of putting this record on then  there is something wrong with you. Again - it really feels like these guys are heirs to Bathory and I can't help but admire their prowess.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ErebAltorOfficial/

Wallachia - Monumental Heresy

I've been a fan of Wallachia since I was 16 or so, having been consistently thrilled by their massive sound and their ability to fuse the inherent fun of folk metal with something a whole hell of a lot darker. There is a breadth to their sound that is easy to fall in love with and suggests a band who can't help but to fascinate. These Norwegians bring a deep understanding of songwriting to their unique folk metal approach. This is what folk metal should be about - fusing truly atavistic music with well put together black metal, balancing dark and light.

This balance of dark and light serves to decorate everything from the lyrics to the arrangements themselves. Tracks like So We Walk Alone are counterbalanced with pieces like Untruthology Abolished suggesting a sense of hope even in the dark ravines of this universe. There is a sense of inner strength profligated throughout this album that makes it extremely comforting listening. The balance of harsh black metal vocals with a variety of styles of cleans is also thrilling. The potent choir on the opener, Heathen Shores is especially exciting. Toss in a few stringed instruments, rich keys and healthy doses of anything else a viking metal record could need and you start to have yourself a masterpiece.

Sure the band has only released four full lengths since their inception in 1992 - but I challenge you to find a more consistent folk metal band and a modern folk metal band who stay so true to the spirit of the genre. Rather than falling victim to the silliness that made the genre a bit of a laughingstock, Wallachia dug in, crafting ever more potent works and mesmerizes us with songs that speak of a time forgot. There is an undeniable beauty to Monumental Heresy that makes me want to come back to this time and time again.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/wallachiaband/

Ereb Altor - Ulfven

Ereb Altor have evolved in recent years from viking metal latecomers to masters of the scene, returning the music to its roots with powerful and deeply emotional lyrics. They are a band who invite you to dig in, to explore the music and to pick apart the sonic devastation found within. This isn't a band to be trifled with, but rather one who revel in the unholy murk of the genre, reflecting back on anciet hymns and traditions in order to create something greater and in many ways transcendent.

The thing that has always impressed me with Ereb Altor is the sheer skill of their songwriting. These are tracks that have a potent, Bathory-like depth to them which allows you to really lose yourself in the music. Ulfven is without a doubt Ereb Altor most articulate release yet, and the soaring vocals, devastating guitars and crippling rhythms prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt. In a world where we all struggle to separate ourselves into the ethereal realities that this music foists upon us, Ereb Altor make the journey surprisingly easy. Their sound is so unique and well executed on Ulfven that you can't help but to find yourself totally enamored.

There is a sort of magic that is invoked when a band is this comitted to their music and create something that is this intense. Ereb Altor have proved here that they are among the great metal artists of our time. This is an album that is perfectly produced and brilliantly written. It has infinite replay value and the lush soundscapes invite you to get lost in the majesty that they have conjured. Culturally exciting and self aware, Ereb Altor will take you on a journey across the forest and the fjords.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ErebAltorOfficial

King Of Asgard - Taudr

Viking metal is in a very interesting place these days. The genre is slowly recovering from the mess that happened due to an oversaturation of band with bad songwriting and is now pushing toward powerful new sounds that reflect ancient times and require a new level of musicality. It means that the genre is perhaps truer t its rots than ever before and certainly more interesting. This is what makes the latest from King Of Asgard, Taudr, so goddamn good. It shows us the true power of the genre, with an inherent sense of musical might that can't help but to seduce the listener.

Taudr is one of those records that really represents a full sonic experience. It's an album that burns forward with powerful Viking choruses padding out massive sounding chords. The clean vocals are reminiscent of groups like Heidevolk, hinting at a much older musical culture behind the band. Meanwhile the melody lines are totally on point, driving the band forward just as much as the riffs do, but also continually reminding us of where King Of Asgard fit into the metal map. There is something endlessly engaging about the driving guitars of a song like Death... And A New Sun especially when counterbalanced with the huge sounding choruses that pump forth.

At the end of the day, Taudr is absolutely entrancing. They are a band who have a certain internal viciousness that is only tempered by their dedication to higher, and far more ancient concepts. As you listen to Taudr you can see the unique landscape of Scandinavia unfolding before your very eyes and you start to fall into the reassuring rhythms and dominating choruses of the band. King Of Asgard are a band who are going to captivate you and remind you once more that Viking metal will never die, but only rise, harder and stronger.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/kingofasgard/

SIG:AR:TYR - Northen

I have no problem admitting that yes I'm a huge nerd and have been waiting for this record for six years. SIG:AR:TYR was one of the first pagan metal acts I really got into and this new record, Northen, is something I have wanted for years. the crushing soundscapes and Bathory-esque dedication to true viking metal has always captured my imagination and represents everything that makes this band so great. Simply put - this is a band who expand their sound consistently and brought the world of pagan metal to a whole new level.

The way that SIG:AR:TYR mainman Daemonskald is able to invoke beautiful pagan images with his distinct lyrical sensibility has always excited me and on Northen he reigns proud, more triumphant than ever before. He paints pictures of a time forgot and mystical worlds - making each song almost a tone poem in and of itself. Beyond that, Northen demonstrates a clear step forward in Daemonskald's songwriting - the guitar solos in particular on this record are spectacular and fit into his distinct marching riff style. It makes for a gentle pulse that eases the listener in to bold sonic pastures that resonate for years.

Northen is an easy record to fall in love with - especially for those of us who have a passion for the Gods and legends of the north. It's an album that devotees have waited more than half a decade for but that delivers on ever level. SIG:AR:TYR is one of those bands who get the fundamental forces behind pagan metal and when they hit the studio something greater than themselves is invoked. Northen is a valid candidate for top ten albums of the year, and though the hype train hasn't kicked off yet, I get the impression it will be only a matter of time.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/SIGARTYR/

Draugul - Chronicles Untold

Draugul have long been one of my favorite black metal projects - truly despairing and powerful - gloriously heavy and wonderfully dedicated to the magic of the north. Now with Chronicles Untold the genius behind the band is back and putting out some of his best material yet. Brilliantly composed and epic in scale Draugul provide fifty five minutes of Bathory-level madness on this record. Fully aware of its own triumph and endlessly interesting Draugul seems ready to become a world renowned act.

What's always captured my imagination about this band is the sheer quality of the songwriting. Though, yes, Draugul relies heavily on traditional black metal ideas there are also folk elements brought in to give the entire thing a sort of primeval power. It's hard to deny the fact that Chronicles Untold reaches deep within the listener and allows their heart to sing the song of a time forgot. As the victorious battle cries ring out in songs like ...In Dreams you find yourself increasingly lost in the beautiful sense of majesty encapsulated by this record. It carries you off to a distant land and has a very human power that resonates within all of us.

Simply put Draugul seems pretty much unstoppable at this point and y'all better start paying attention because sooner or later this guy is going to put out the black metal record of the year. It seems almost inevitable - this band is simply too good not too. You find yourself getting lost in Draugul's immortal power and reaching out to face a brave new day - this is a band that will carry you back to an older and perhaps nobler time as long as you are willing to open your eyes and realize hope for tomorrow lies on a distant shore.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/draugul?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

Blood and Sun, Falls of Rauros, The Flight of Sleipnir, and Velnias at St Vitus Bar

St Vitus Bar is rapidly becoming one of my favorite places in the world to see a metal show. With solid mixing, a great vibe and stellar bills (Locals included!) most nights of the week it's hard not to appreciate what those guys have done for the scene. Yesterday evening evidenced some of the supreme glory that this bar has come to represent with four of the most exciting bands on America's bleak folk/viking metal scene. There was a distinct sense of ritual as I entered the venue and I couldn't help but smile - this is what metal is all about.

Blood and Sun - who opened up the show weren't actually a metal band, but like many other downtempo projects from dudes like Mike Scheidt and Scott Kelly they explore a metal-esque sonic space using exclusively acoustic instruments. They have a wonderfully rich and deep sound that is hard to ignore. It reflect the internal power that this kind of music can have and allows the heart to ring out as you find yourself lost ever deeper in their doomy and quasi-apocalyptic sounds. The thing is Blood and Sun are wonderfully iconoclastic and their sound is wholly their own - reflecting an ancient time and forgotten powers that resonate within us all.

Up net was the immortal Falls of Rauros who have perfectly constructed a sonic space where they can toss in guitar solos into black metal, folk elements into triumphant doom riffs with an overwhelming sense of vocal slaughter reigning high above it all. Falls of Rauros speak to the essential power of American black metal and invoke all sorts of ancient rites into their incredibly epic sound. I was impressed at the sheer quality of the musicianship that these guys represent too - they are wonderfully talented and dedicated to their craft - a key part of what helps to make their live experience so incredibly powerful

The Flight of Sleipnir though were my most anticipated band of the evening and the highlight of my night. They bring their A game with an incredible sense of pagan magic seeping from every chord. There is a jarring and tormented magic to the Viking odes of The Flight Of Sleipnir and these dudes truly get the essential power of the genre and you see that in their performances. Simply put - the organic and profoundly resonant sounds of The Flight Of Sleipnir are impossible to ignore because, as with every other band on the bill they have a very particular way of resonating within the human psyche. It shows that they have unlocked a path forward in a crowded scene and it makes me curious for what is to come from these Colorado geniuses.

When Velnias took the stage I was emotionally drained, but I stayed simply to appreciate the vibes of what they do. Their melodies are impressive and carry a minor key madness to them that only the greatest bands can invoke. Their stage presence is potent and provided a nice sense of majesty to the entire affair. As bizarre as it may seem - Velnias in their forty odd minute set managed to transport the gathered die-hards to a far off land and make them look at reality in a whole new way until the time came for us all to leave - explore our separate ways into the night and hope for a better tomorrow.

And so the memory of last night starts to fade away - but the potent magic remains within. All four bands who played at St Vitus last night had a distinct awareness of the epic nature of their craft and that made it all the better. As I enjoyed some drinks at a rooftop party back at my apartment I found myself unable to re-enter reality and instead sat back, talked to some homeless dudes and reveled in the strange power that the pagan forefathers imbued their music with. Pagan metal is alive and well in the New World and it is good.

Find the bands on Facebook!

Blood And Sun: https://www.facebook.com/bloodandsunfolk

Falls of Rauros: https://www.facebook.com/Falls-of-Rauros-197095916993311/timeline/

The Flight of Sleipnir: https://www.facebook.com/THEFLIGHTOFSLEIPNIR?fref=ts

Velnias: https://www.facebook.com/VelniasCult?fref=ts

Skyforger - Senprusija

Skyforger have always been a little grimmer and angrier than many of their pagan metal peers. They have the touches of Northern epics, but that is not the only key element in their sound. It's not necessarily for every fan of pagan metal, yet over the years they have started to hone it into to something truly special and their latest offer, Senprusija due out April 6 sees the band at their finest. A group who have a wholly satisfying sound, digging into this latest work from Skyforger is a grand and noble adventure.

Perhaps the most notable thing about Senprusija is the powerful guitar lines that add mighty melodies under gritty vocals that are almost reminiscent of old school Teutonic thrash bands. Songs like Divi brali see Skyforger at their finest, bringing in the darker black and thrash metal touches that makes their music so unique while also using folk-derived melodies to keep things sufficiently grim and biting. There has always been a confluence of styles in Skyforgers music, and that's part of why I never got to deep into them, this new record though seems to suggest that they have found their path creating masterpieces that carry you away and then punch you in the gut.

No longer reliant on any real tropes and not afraid to make daring musical moves, Senprusija is worth many a listen. The viking cries and danceable melodies interact with more stripped down tracks that are almost straight up thrashers. There is a sense of power to Skyforgers music that shows how far they have come. Rewarding and yet also fairly accessible, Skyforger have proven themselves worthy of a place in the pagan metal pantheon and I have never been more excited for the future of these Latvian longhairs.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/skyforgerofficial

Árstíðir lífsins - Aldafǫðr ok munka dróttinn

Well, I have found the black metal record of the year. It's as simple as that, audacious, daring, stunning and simply genre breaking, With an album title I can't spell without copy/paste and a band name I can't pronounce, yet just reading the promo material for this record told me all I need to know. At 81 minutes long this entire record is sung in Old Norse-Icelandic with added Skaldic stanzas depicting the brutality of life, and the conversion in Iceland around the year 1000. It's as if someone tailored a record exactly to my tastes. 

The thing is though, with  Aldafǫðr ok munka dróttinn the band do something that feels natural. While oftentimes violins and chants can come across as over the top and pretentious Árstíðir lífsins manage to make it flow nicely. There is a sense of the sublime that dominates this record, you feel yourself falling into a unique soundworld and it is impossible to deny the majesty of this band. From the initial chants, to the viking metal progressions and utterly magical attack, this band have managed to put together something that will break your brain and require far too many listens to fully understand, it's simply that good.

It gets better, Árstíðir lífsins actually have a few other albums out, so once you've fully explored the adventure put together on Aldafǫðr ok munka dróttinn you can go explore the rest of their very distinctive approach to pagan metal. These guys are proving the eternal majesty of a genre that most cast aside. This is a band who promise to transcend metal and maybe even change the world, taking tried and true formulas they bring the music to its logical extreme and give me a sense of hope for the future honor of the pagan gods. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/arstidirlifsins

Heidevolk - Velua

Heidevolk have always fascinated me. The bands epic chants and powerful guitars inspire vision of fjords and travels in the north. There is a very profound atavistic beauty to their music, free of aggression but instead beautiful and heart rending. I've been fascinated with Batavi for years and always meant to get deeper into the bands discography. It seems that Velua has given me the chance to explore the bands sound a bit more, and all I can say is that not only are these guys geniuses, but they just might be able to bring back viking metal.

The bombastic sound that Heidevolk flaunt is remarkable because it never feels silly or over the top. Instead as Heidevolk guide you forth with chants of times forgot they take you on a journey, allowing the listener to experience the power of the true north along side them as you ride the storm. Compositionally this is perhaps Heidevolks strongest yet with wonderfully executed atmospherics and touches of synths, and violins, padding out the sound to keep things fresh alongside some of their juiciest riffs yet. For a band who rely primarily on chants Heidevolk is remarkably emotional. Velua can make you cry, pump your fist, or even charge into battle, there is a lot to digest in these 13 tracks.

Stunningly beautiful and finely crafted Velua, like every Heidevolk record before it, is something of a masterwork. It will guide you down a path of death and glory and allow you to feel the might of the old men of the north running through you. There is something transcendent about Heidevolk that speaks to the greater human condition, Velua sees the band reaching out and giving us a glimpse at who we truly are. Let the majestic sounds of this record wash over you and perhaps you can find your true self.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/heidevolkofficial

Skalmold - Med Vaettum

Midwinter, invincible immaculate, it shall be here soon. Already today in Philadelphia we are facing below freezing temperatures and miserable winds. We're going to need the right music if we want to face the terrors of this frozen winter. Fortunately we have Skalmold, whose new record, Med Vaettum seems to be the perfect offering to lay up in face of the almighty gods of a time forgot. Antediluvian in its majesty and epic in scope, Med Vaettum is an album that will take you an a journey across raging seas and roaring oceans into the heart of the North.

I think that a large part of what makes Med Vaettum so appealing to me is the way that the music is self aware of how epic it is, and capitalizes on it. Songs like Med Drekum evidence the crushing power of this band and their ability to carry you far away. The sense of grandeur that embodies this record is incredibly satisfying and will have you spinning it again and again. Viking and Pagan Metal have an inherent magic in that they can truly capture the glory of their pagan forefathers. These Icelandic metallers aren't wholly caught in the past though, they still have a few exciting ideas scattered around that allow for the music to stay fresh and innovative.

In short, the sheer amount of work that must have gone into the creation of this record is impressive, Skalmold is exciting and fresh, yet they will honor those who came before. The guitarmonies are delicious and the synth's expertly placed. Meanwhile, the mix of cleans and growls is truly majestic and at times reminiscent of bands like Heidevolk. Skalmold seem set to be the next big thing in folk metal, so now it's a matter of sitting back and praying that they get the attention, and respect that they and their ancestors so readily deserve.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/skalmold

Itnuveth

Viking black metal from... Spain? Some might say these guys are missing the point, but whem the music is this good can you really complain? Itnuveth play epic and powerful music that truly reflects The Way of the Berserker. Here is a band who understand the raw and beautiful majesty of their preferred lyrical topics and deliver it to the listener in a uniquely high volume package. There is something extremely entrancing about the music Itnuveth have put out thus far, truly hearkening back to the might and lore of our pagan ancestors. The battle cries and triumphant melodies that characterize songs like Black Henbane prove to me that these guys have what it takes to succeed. Though the vocals aren't quite where they should be in the mix, Itnuveth are still a lot of fun to listen too and when they bring the storm, it comes hard. This band refuses to be vanquished and though they may play on traditional pagan black metal tropes, they are still exciting to listen too, so get out there, and get headbanging!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/itnuveth1973

Alestorm-Sunset on the Golden Age

Alestorm was one of the first metal bands I got in too. I recall being fourteen and hearing their first two records and getting pumped for the third. When the third did come out, I wrote a review which I then sent to the bands frontman Chris, and he responded, thanking me for my kind words. That was one of those strange defining moments that made me realize this blog was going to end up being my livelihood (And now it more or less is) So, when I say the pirates are back and better than ever, it's kind of a big deal, Alestorm are legends in their own lifetimes, and Sunset on the Golden Age is in fact a brave new dawn.

See, Alestorm have come across something magical, sure they're not the first song to create outrageous folk metal party tracks like Drink, but they are the first to be able to hit a mass market with it. There is something distinctly glorious about being a heavy metal pirate. This record sees the band pushing themselves pretty far stylistically though, the track Hangover has a modern pop feel (not that it's bad, just very different) and Sunset on the Golden Age is the bands longest effort yet. That being said, there are also bits on tracks like Wooden Leg where the group gets more death metal, or even grindcore than ever before. Alestorm is growing, but they are not giving up on the silliness and the hooks that make their sound so enjoyable.

In short, Sunset on the Golden Age is proof that despite everything, Alestorm will triumph. Through the fire and the flames, Gloryhammer and all, this is the band who will reign triumphant over metalheads hearts for years to come. Alestorm get what the fans want and they deliver, but it's always interesting and exciting because sure these guys come off as alcoholic partiers (And to some degree they are) but they're also incredible musicians who understand how to create albums that engage and excite the listener. It's comforting to know that in 2014 you can make your living as a pirate, and it reminds us all, heavy metal will never die.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/alestormband

Ol' Jolly Roger

Ol' Jolly Roger claims to be Portugals only pirate metal band, and given my (albeit rather limited) research, this seems to set them apart from many of the other great bands on their scene. With a fun new demo out entitled From the Depths We Rise it's easy to see that these guys very much appreciate the influence of bands like Alestorm. That being said, it's also pretty clear that they are only in their beginning phases as a group, the production is limited and the vocal delivery is not always top notch. However the melodic content is great and the lyrics are very fun. See, while Ol' Jolly Roger may still be refining their sound, they certainly understand what pirate metal is all about and this really allows them to come forth and shine. They even bring in some cool new ideas with their 8 bit version of one of their tracks (Crack Jenny's Teacup) While this demo may only have two songs (but three tracks) it shows a lot of potential. I'm excited to hear what happens when Ol' Jolly Roger hit the studio and put out something with a bit more of a run time!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/folkjollyroger

Vesperia-An Olden Tale

The modern folk metal scene has often been viewed as played out or stagnant. Yet Vesperia are here to cast that illusion aside and prove that their is an enduring magic and power to folk metal that few can properly emulate. Talented musicians all and dedicated to crafting sounds that ring of true sons of the north, Vesperia's new record An Olden Tale is proof not only of their musical excellence, but their dedication to times forgot. Filled with a beautiful and primeval power Vesperia overcome their limitations to get something that reaches out and touches the soul. 

See, Vesperia understand what folk metal is about, and though they may be Canadian the music on An Olden Tale tends to be pretty unapologetic. At times this almost becomes a fault. I feel like some of the growls on this record are a bit to brutal and rough, taking away from the might of the songwriting and beautiful orchestration. Yet this is not a big enough fault to take away from the greater message and power of the record. Musically Vesperia have managed to create a wonderful brand of folk metal with earthy melodies, soaring solos, and just enough touches of black metal to keep things atavistic and powerful. In other words, An Olden Tale is an album from folk metallers FOR folk metallers.

Vesperia are really starting to break into the big time as far as folk metal is concerned. So, yes, their sound needs to become a bit more professional in places, but as a whole, this is a band who grasp what folk metal is all about and want to share it. While oftentimes perfect for jig pits, An Olden Tale is not without its reflective moments, and through repeated listens we start to get a sense for the strange and unearthly power of a band dedicated to the music of the north. Plug in your head phones and let loose, An Olden Tale is easy to start, and almost impossible to put down!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/VesperiaMetal

Hagbard-Rise of the Sea King

Hagbard is a folk metal band who are getting ready to release their first album, the stunning Rise of the Sea King. These Brazilians (Yes, these guys are from Brazil) have an approach to traditional folk metal that shows a great understanding of the genre. Hagbard understand how to write some top notch folk metal and they bring the magic of the North down to their sub Equatorial home. Filled with shredding, huge keyboard fills and blatant Ensiferum worship (Which is always a good thing) Hagbard's music is both majestic and party happy, metal for folk lovers worldwide.

What I love about Rise of the Sea King is that many of the different subgenres of folk metal are represented. The more serious tracks, which are reminiscent of Eluveitie or even Agalloch, add a certain gravitas to the record. Meanwhile, more fun loving party anthems like Until the End of Day which seems to be made for the jig pit. This balance is of a sort I only thought Ensiferum and maybe Wintersun were capable of. That is to say, from their debut release, Hagbard have proven to me that they are a group on par with some of my favorite folk metal acts, most of whom are veterans of the genre. These guys clearly have a lot of experience writing songs and now want to bring the madness to the people.

In short, this release is bombastic, epic, fun, and really, everything else you could want from a folk metal album. Sure, some of the slightly silly parts could be toned down, some of the keyboard tones adjusted and maybe the band could evolve a little. But for me, the imperfections are a part of what makes Hagbard so special. As they craft epic chants that drag you into the music you have to genuflect before the musical might of a band who could put out something so good as their debut release. I kid you not when I say this might end up on my best of list for 2014!

Find Hagbard on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialHagbard