Tag: folk metal
-
Iomair – Iomair
One of the most important elements of music is sincerity, and Iomair have that in spades. Think of a folky Opeth and you aren’t even half-way there. What I like most about this album is its heartfelt emotionality. This is really music for the inner you, not for the face you put on for the world. Strange…
-
Unshine – Astrala
Epic is an understatement to describe this fine album. Imagine Ritchie Blackmoor’s Rainbow (Dio era) with a brilliant singer in the shape of Susanna Vesilahti, and you’re only halfway there. The melodies are reminiscent of Within Temptation or Nightwish but with a harder edge. The music courtesy of Harri Hautala is excellent, and again, epic! Another band…
-
Hoth – Astral Necromancy
Seattle’s Hoth released Oathbreaker back in 2014 and I was captivated. Extreme metal with a Star Wars angle? Sold. But on that album the concept was veiled and perhaps only people familiar with Star Wars would put the pieces in place. Fast forward to 2018 and the duo have outdone themselves with new album, Astral…
-
Durbuy Rock Festival, April 2018 (day 2)
What nicer way can there be for spending the first ‘over 20-degree Celsius’ weekend of the year than at a rock festival with a varied line up, cold drinks and lovely metalheads? Having taken place in the picturesque village of Bomal-sur-Ourthe, Durbuy Rock Festival was the perfect festival season opener. Durbuy Rock Festival – Day 2…
-
Durbuy Rock Festival, April 2018 (day 1)
What nicer way can there be for spending the first ‘over 20-degree Celsius’ weekend of the year than at a rock festival with a varied line up, cold drinks and lovely metalheads? Having taken place in the picturesque village of Bomal-sur-Ourthe, Durbuy Rock Festival was the perfect festival season opener. Durbuy Rock Festival – Day 1…
-
Na Cruithne – Gairm An Fhiantais
Hailing from the mighty land of Galway in Ireland, Na Cruithne meld traditional Irish music with heavy metal, showing a skill and love for this music seldom seen. Often in folk metal, one element overwhelms the other, but not so here. Na Cruithne’s music is a new beast, one extremely pleasing to the ear and,…
-
Pereplut – At The Ancient Times
Pagan folk metal from Russia. I don’t understand the lyrics but the music is excellent. It does conjure up images of a world where Baba Yaga waits for the unexpected in a darkened forest. Production and musicianship is first class, at times melancholy but most cheerful… like a Russian Skyclad or Mael Mhordha. Love the cover artwork…
-
Tengger Cavalry + Felix Martin + Malphas @ Hard Luck Bar, Toronto on June 5, 2017
Dreaming of being a Viking is so passé! How about being a Mongol Shaman? Mongolian folk metal gallops into Toronto yet again tonight. Following their show last year, Tengger Cavalry return, their brand new album Die on My Ride in tow. Formed in 2010 and with an impressively extensive discography already, this Chinese-origin band does…
-
MOONSORROW interview: Ville Sorvali
Finland’s Moonsorrow unleashed their latest pagan metal masterpiece on the world earlier this year. In the week’s leading up to the release of Jumalten Aika” (which translates to “The Age Of Gods”), Hellbound’s Danielle Griscti had a chance to speak with bassist and lead vocalist Ville Sorvali. Here, belatedly, is their conversation. Hellbound: You have a new…
-
TENGGER CAVALRY – Blood Sacrifice Shaman
Incredibly energetic, fast paced gallops through ancient plains, accompanied by bands of singers and fiddlers? Not your average day trip in the metal world. I’ve seen quite a few people auto-cringe at the mere mention of the words “folk” and “metal” together these days, which means the proverbial bar for this genre is pretty high…