Elemental Fridays

Alas another edition of Elemental Fridays is upon us. Though we’ve barely started November, we’ve got a little taste of what 2018 has in store for us… 

Eluveitie – Evocation II – Pantheon

The kings of folk metal, Eluveitie, had experienced some turbulence over the past year or so. With their future in question, the return of the band is celebrated with their next release, fresh with immense new blood titled, Evocation II – Pantheon. 

My Top 10 Anticipations for 2017

Already more than a week into the new year and the obvious question looms: who will be releasing a new album in 2017? Well, there are plenty of new albums headed our way so without further ado, the top 10 albums I personally am looking forward to! 

Fernando’s Top 13 Albums of 2014

What an EXPLOSIVE year for metal it was. My goodness there were amazing releases from every genre this year, this was too sick of a year for metal. Some of my favorite big name metal artists released phenomenal material in addition to being introduced to some amazing unknown and emerging talent worldwide. All the lists this year are rich in energy, passion and are just metal to the core dude. While ten is a well rounded but overused number, let go with the lucky 13 and list my 13 favorite albums of the year. Save the best list for last right? As I was writing this my body almost took a hit from the overwhelming metal I’ve been trying to place on this list. I’m surprised I wasn’t rushed to the ER for an overdose on metal! In all seriousness though, this list was the hardest thing I have had to do in my life as a writer, screw school thats for wimps, this is where it’s at. As I look back over the year, which flew by fast by the way, 2014 was a remarkable year, one I won’t forget and not only were these albums explosive in tenacity but the memorable concerts that come through town were an experience to behold and the interviews that I had the pleasure to conduct were a worthwhile experience and honor. This is just too metal man. Let’s take a look at album number 13 and make our way down to my number one album, the list may surprise you.

Insomnium – Shadows Of The Dying Sun: Coming in and starting the list with lucky number 13 is Insomnium. The pure essence of melodeath that they bring on Shadows Of The Dying Sun is eargasmic with melodic solos and harsh raspy vocals. The album is not technical at all which sometimes can make the strongest of impacts. The album also comes with fresh blood in the form of a new member which I think made this album better. From aggression to speed, doom and darkness this album brings their best elements together as one entitiy.

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DjmQXtZUx4[/tube]

 

 

Liv Kristine – Vervain: The Queen of Goth metal herself, Liv Kristine comes in at number 12 with her fifth solo album,

Vervain. Already establishing her name and presence among the metal scene for many years now, the album gives us her best qualities of musicianship in a variety of ways. Her harmonious vocals pivot this album in an interesting direction as well as her darker side appearing at many moments. The album is a balance of dark and light with darkness being the original matter that started it all. I enjoyed the lyrical content of many of the tracks, check this one out.

 

 

 

Lyriel – Skin & Bones: Though they’ve had a few albums out already in their native Germany, Lyriel made it onto my list at number 11. Their Folk metal sound is what initially drove me to listen to them more. I became a fan of their as of this year, where have they been all these years they’ve been in existence? Well that shows they are truly underground and though that is the case, they have the talent to become mainstream abroad. In regards to the album, it is catchy, melodic, memorable, bold and wondrous. It is truly hard to get their songs out of my mind, congrats to them for making it on my list with these other competitive names.

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmAwV41NufE[/tube]

 

Diabulus In Musica – Argia: This is one of the most intense metal acts from the Latin/Hispanic  community. Coming in at number 10, from Spain, Diabulus In Musica do a mesmerizing job of showcasing their Symphonic side as well as their heavy and intense Thrashy side in their album, Argia. With lots of double bass, female vocals as well as evil male vocals, they bring the listener to another realm full of epic atmospheres. Many of their songs are for the headbangers so if you haven’t yet, go check these guys and gal out!

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzPESD5GGig[/tube]

 

 

 

Deathstars – The Perfect Cult: Aside from wearing paint and bringing a large presence, their album, The Perfect Cult pushes their genre and continues to prove why they are one of the leaders of the Goth metal scene right now. The songs are impactful, bold and send eye-opening messages that many can relate to. Another memorable album to go down, once you hit the Play button, it will be hard to turn off the metal. Each track is fresh and original and very dark with hints of eerieness latched on. Pump those metal fists.

 

 

 

Within Temptation – Hydra: This is the biggest turn around for me out of all the albums I’ve ever  heard. This album was released in January and never made it onto my mid-year list and it is on the list now. Why, do you ask? Did I forget? No I didn’t, in fact it was the power of seeing them live that made me want to go back and listen to the album again. After seeing them live, I was invigorated to the power this album has. I couldn’t believe it wasn’t on my list before. It is heavy, it’s Symphonic, it’s morals have deep meaning and as the legend says the Hydra emblazons many heads with it’s own personality. Just like this album, each track did not sound like another and came to the listener in a totally new way. Originality at it’s finest.

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAiV8RpqzME[/tube]

 

 

Amaranthe – Massive Addictive: Coincidently, they were in town over the Fall with the previous artist on this list. Amaranthe’s third album,  Massive Addictive, is perfectly described as so….addictive. This album is also their most electronically oriented album, giving their sound new regions and areas to expand upon. The catchy tracks are hard to evade one’s mind, I went the longest time listening to this album after it was intitially released. I do not want to get sick of this talented album and group so I refrain from listening to them as much as possible for fear of wearing out their music. I can get sick of anything if I’m around it too much, trust me. Nonetheless, this album is bold and energetic, not to mention the groups lyrical content is inspiring and uplifiting.

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6PYAkXO-bU[/tube]

 

Delain – The Human Contradiction: Another artist to have tenacious lyrics, Delain come in at number  6 with their album, The Human Contradiction. Released waaay back in April, it is no surprise the album has remained in my top list for the end of the year. Most of the tracks on thsi album, I found myself indulging in them immediately while a song here and there, I listened to a few more times before giving in, but overall the album is outstanding. We can all learn some things from their lyrics and open our eyes and minds a little more thanks to them. It is melodic, it is symphonic, the composition of The Human Contradiction is superb. While the album is not technical whatsoever, they make their own impact efficiently and have gained my attention ever since. The album is also heavy in many ways, don’t underestimate what you see till you hear it.

 

Epica – The Quantum Enigma: This was no shocker the album would be on my list. I picked this album up in stores the day it came out and also listened to it almost everyday since its release. Being the most symphonic oriented band on this list, that doesn’t compromise the cataclysmic heaviness that the group can muster. The Quantum Enigma is a creative gem that makes me feel like I’m in another realm when I listen to this album. Theres insance double bass, lots of thrash and heaviness, there’s shred, keyboard atmospheres that are wondrous, it’s an album that is for that select audience that is lucky to embrace it. Check it out.

 

Edguy – Space Police: Defenders Of The Crown: Power Metal at it’s finest. Speed and Melody  power the senses in a Euphoric way. The musicianship hits me intimately and emotionally and vocals raise the adrenaline through the roof. This is one of their best albums, if not their best of all time. The lasting impact this album gives me is beyond words and the talented diversity is powerful. Edguy continue to defend their own crown as well!

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5TfvbePk_w[/tube]

 

 

 

 

DragonForce – Maximum Overload: Coming in at number 3, speed and power metal kings, DragonForce unleash their most diverse, dynamic and strongest album to date and that may be an understatement. While the speed and force they summon is legend to their name, the album has harmonic aspects that took me by surprise. Each track has addictive and eargamsic components that are hard to escape one’s mind. From the energetic ‘The Game’ to their cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire”, each track made it’s own impact on me, one that I could not get enough of. If you’ve never listened to them or have fallen out of touch with them, now would be the time to get back on the fast lane with speed metallers, DragonForce.

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIa5XsIKrJA[/tube]

 

Arch Enemy – War Eternal: Coming in at number two, Swedish Melodeath pioneers, Arch Enemy  drop in with their legendary album, War Eternal. The album comes with pinnacles of melody, sheer aggression and doom and gloom atmospheres. Punch the dashboard why don’t you? Certainly. One of the few albums to bring out the metal monster in me lately, the journey this album brings will bring you to your knees and wreak havoc and scare those around you. The lyrics on this album are also supercharging and I think can relate to many metalheads, I certainly found myself clenching my fists and getting adrenaline rushes throughout the album. Arch Enemy, Pure F*cking Metal.

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y-J7sBT_no[/tube]

 

 

Eluveitie – Origins: Who would have thought this would be my number one album of the year? At the time when this album came out, I knew I would fall in love with it but didn’t think it would be my number one album. While the previous album on this list is ravage and wild, this album also brings wild to the table but also bring Folk elements and deeply connecting lyrical content as well. Most of the tracks on this album are intense and heavy, as well as others being rich in Folk instrumentals. There is lots of variety on this album and new blood as well. Also to mention, they were amazing live so that only adds to the strength of the album as a whole. The perfect blend of female vocals and harsh male vocals also give this album the perfect score it deserves as well as ranked as number one in my list. Perfection.

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AawUSC6hGY[/tube]

Again, this was one of the best years for metal and aside from great albums this year, there have been many other news in the metal world that surely made this one of the most eventful years for us in a while. Some other worthy mentions this year include Behemoth, Babymetal, Avatar, Gus G, Work Of Art, Enviktas, Holy Shire, Xandria, Van Canto and the awesome compilation, We Are Louder Than You 2.0, in which many young emerging artists from around the world input into an album that supports the fight against bullying everywhere. My other top categories include:

Top Interview of the year: Exo from Noctem

Top Live Show of the year: Within Temptation/Amaranthe

2015 looks to be another promising year for us metalheads and while a few artists promised us new material in 2014 and didn’t deliver, I know 2015 will be their year to shine. Are there any albums you’re looking forward to this year? Let us know and get them exposed!

Here’s to another metal year, salutes my metal friends. Happy New Year. Stay Metal m/

Concert Review: Eluveitie, TYR, Metsatöll @ House of Blues

What a grand night to have had a few ales, brats and a good ole’ time at the House of Blues this past week. That night’s crowd was in for a special treat as everyone rocked at this full-on Folk Metal show. You had three acts that night: Metsatöll from Estonia, TYR from the Faroe Islands, which settle off of Denmark’s shores between Norway, Iceland and Scotland. How freaking metal is that? Lastly, of course the headliners of the night were Eluveitie from Switzerland. I had arrived early at the House of Blues, in fact I was first there, now talk about dedication. One of the pluses of arriving early, was that I was able to see Eluveitie cross the street, so I chased them down and got my quick words of fandom in, as well as of course snapping a shot with them before they jumped into a taxi, wherever it is they were going. After waiting hours for the doors to open at 7PM, the line grew and grew, as I and the rest of the fans endured the chill Fall breeze along light sprinkles, at it had been raining that day, as well as most of the week. Once the doors opened, I headed upstairs where they hold the main shows of the night. The venue is large, and is perfect for acoustics. Being a larger venue, distortion easily bounces off the walls and creates lots of noise, luckily all the bands knew how to play that well. By 8PM once the first band was ready to go, I looked behind me as the the venue was pretty packed.

The lights went low, the screen lifted as an act I think most of the people were unfamiliar with, Metsatöll, debuted and kicked off the night with one of their tracks titled, Kulmking. The track was a wise choice to choose, as the drums were fast, the riffs were fast, the flutes and more were fast, everything was fast, heck. The track got the crowd pumping. All their tracks are foreign named, which is badass. One of the members was pretty active with the crowd, he got the crowd jumping and headbanging. One of the songs, one of the members said, in his extremely low baritone vocals, “So you like Folk Metal huh? We have a song for you, it’s more of a love song, but it’s about making beer and enjoying it.” At first the crowd wasn’t too keen on hearing a romantic folk track, but once the topic of beer came into play, the crowd totally got on board and got wild. The gentlemen in the band seemed very friendly, not stuck up or cocky, got the crowd moving, made eye contact with many of the people in the audience, Metsatöll, definitely connected with the metal mass as they closed their setlist with a total of ten tracks.

The second act of the night, TYR, are a band I am slightly familiar with. They were touring in support of their newest album, Valkyrja, which I will never forget the album, as it has one of the best album covers I have ever seen for any band. Check out Harley’s album review on this amazing album here. All their tracks revolve around Viking Mythology, lore and history. TYR is the god of law and justice, and with their presence, they definitely made a large impact on the audience. Another group that were very approachable, they played to the audience as well with their setlist of twelve tracks. I had only heard of a few of their tracks so that night would definitely give me some major exposure to who they are and what they can dish out. Some of the favorites tracks played that stood out to me were Blood of Heroes, Tróndur Í Gøtu, Grindavísan, Sinklars Visa, Flames of the Free, Lady of the Slain, Hold the Heathen Hammer High and By the Sword in My Hand. I especially wents nuts for those last two tracks. I was surprised to see many people knew the lyrics and sung along with TYR, I guess they have a larger following than I had expected. They closed their powerful set with the track, Shadow of the Swastika. By the end of the set I was astonished at the groups presence, and their fanbase. I will definitely have to check them out a lot more.

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRVfDfAUCOY[/tube]

The final act of the night whom I was originally there to see was Eluveitie. They were there in support of their newest album which was released recently, titled, Origins.Most of the tracks played that night came from Origins, as well as a mix of tracks from all their other albums. A quick set change and the lights dimmed for many moments, leaving the audience in suspense and screaming wonder. After what seems like minutes had passed, each member one by one approached the stage and threw the horns up as they kicked off the night with the first explosive single of their new album, track titled, King. The crowd was hyper just from that one song alone which was more than enough energy to feed the crowd the rest of the night. Eluveitie being eight members, they really did not have trouble manuevering the stage, as I am sure they are used to it. Another one of the tracks that got the crowd, as well as myself singing along was the strong track, Thousandfold. I am sure the band enjoyed playing this one, as some of the members smiled since we knew this one. Being a large fan of theirs, it was hard to pick my favorite tracks they played but I’ll go ahead and list some of them: Sucellos (which has eargasmic melodies), The Call of the Mountains, (De Ruef vo de Bärge) which this track they let the audience decide whether or not they wanted it sung in English or their native tongue, Swiss-German. I personally wanted english as the lyrics are easier to remember, but the audience spoke and wanted authenticity, the track was done in Swiss-German.

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjV239CxVHY[/tube] 

The other tracks that stood out were The Nameless, Inception, Kingdom Come Undone, The Silver Sister, Vianna, A Rose For Epona, and Omnos. An encore was in order at this time, so Eluveitie went backstage for a minute as the audience clapped and chanted their name for “one more song”. They of course came back and played their final three tracks of the night which included Helvetios, Havoc (with a wall of death!) and their final track of the night, Inis Mona. I was so full of adrenaline I really wanted to get into the pits and wall of death but I was already in the front, I figured I had better not lose my precious spot. Eluveitie came together at the end, all gave us the thumbs up and horns and thanked us for the epic night. I truly felt thanked by them as the epic music played in the background, they have gained my respect and will be a devoted fan for life.

The end of the night came and I more than stoked. This is perhaps the best show of the year, hands down. I am going to one more show this year, but I can already tell this one is the winner of the year. Every band interected massively with the audience, no stuck up bands or members, none of that garbage. I am going to check out more of Metsatöll and TYR. After seeing TYR live especially, I think I am slowly converting into a fan already. Once I stepped out of the House of Blues, I went home with a guitar pick and drumstick from the openers and a hoodie from the main act of the night, Eluveitie. A huge, huge thank you to all the band’s that played that night, it was eventful and utmost epic. Who knows when there will be another pure Folk Metal show again, perhaps Paganfest? Each band performed well and outstanding, who knows when they will be back. When they do come back, please go and support them, their performances were phenomenal, again, I don’t think any other show this year did better than this one. Gotta love the overseas metal, my goodness. Stay Metal m/

Interview With Anna Murphy of Eluveitie

I got the pleasurable honor of interviewing Anna Murphy, the master of the Hurdy-Gurdy and the female vocalist behind Eluveitie. Their most recent release, Origins, is their most perfect album to date. Rich in Folk Elements, Death Metal factors, Amazing Melodic components and historical references with lyrical concepts, the album is one to check out, without a doubt. After having heard the album more and more after my review, I cannot agree more with my scoring and high praises of Origins. After Anna returned my email with all my questions answered, I was very pleased and greatful to hear what she had to say about the album, her interests outside of Eluveitie, and what we may expect from them in the future.

Greetings Anna Murphy. This is Fernando from We Love Metal.com and we thank you for the opportunity of getting to interview you. We recently reviewed your latest album, Origins, and the album is a perfect 10 out of 10. I could not get enough of the album, it is of utmost perfection. Eluveitie continues to give the metal community amazing music with great historical reference. The lyrics are intimate, the composition is very dynamic, and personally the melodic aspect of the album is what drove me to fall in love with the album. All around a perfect album indeed. Now, we have some questions for you:

 

WLM: How do you think Origins turned out as an album? Was it better than expected or were you expecting the album to be as great as it is?

 

Anna: I didn’t really know what to expect to be honest. I wasn’t as involved in the whole process as I was with the other albums before and also had a lot of stress, which kept me focused on getting things done and not thinking about what it will be like. But now that I’ve had a break I must say I really love this album. The songwriting is really so mature and elaborate and I’m impressed by it. So far we’ve only gotten positive feedbacks, we’re really happy with the result!

 

WLM: How long did it takes you guys to pretty much compose, record, and finalize the album? How do you go about the process?

 

Anna: I’d say the songwriting-phase took about one year? I’m not quite sure, but that’s roughly it. Some songs were already done long before we booked the studio, we even played them live a couple of times. The studio-phase was about two months. That’s pretty long, but we also worked on about half the songs of the album while being in the studio. So you can imagine it was a very creative process, but also very stressful to work on so much new material and then also record it in good quality.

The composing process is pretty simple. Chrigel and Ivo are the main songwriters. I write some melodies here and there, but that’s pretty much it. So every musician gets his or her part and then practices it how it is or changes it a bit according to his or her playing-style. Then one after the other gets recorded, starting with the drums.

 

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w2m-TeLi6I[/tube]

 

WLM: In terms of historical references, I know you guys have a massive incorporation of the Gaulish language as well as history from that era. What about that era makes you so passionate, which makes your lyrics and album concepts about that era?

 

Anna: Funny you should ask, because I think one main reason for this interest and passion is what our new album is about – Origin. The Celts who spoke Gaulish resided in the areas we live today, and even though they seem to be part of our origin, there’s so little we know about them. Unfortunately not a lot was written down about the mythology and beliefs of the Celts, so it’s very difficult to reconstruct certain things. That’s also the reason why Chrigel works together with Scientists, to get as accurate a result as possible. This era gives us a lot of material to sing about, a lot of interesting stories that many people haven’t heard of yet.

 

WLM: Are there any songs off of the album you feel most proud of or you want the listener to really pay attention to?

 

Anna: I’m most proud of “Vianna” because I wrote a big part of the song, making it kind of like my creative “addition” to the album.

 

WLM: Eluveitie has some of the most unique instruments in the band. Of course you are the master of the Hurdy-Gurdy. Are all of you guys self taught in terms of playing your instruments or did anyone take professional lessons?

 

Anna: All of us are self-taught except Nicole and Rafi.

 

WLM: We have a few more questions for you, not really relating to the album but overall in other topics. Is there anyone you guys would like to tour with or possibly collaborate with? I know you guys will be touring with TYR this October.

 

Anna: I would love to tour with Muse. But I don’t think that will ever happen… But one is allowed to dream 😉

 

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AawUSC6hGY[/tube]

 

WLM: Do you have any interests or hobbies outside of Eluveitie? Does anyone in the band participate in other interesting activites?

 

Anna: Yes, of course! I love hiking, reading, swimming, playing with my pets, going out drinking…

I go hiking with Merlin whenever we have time.

 

WLM: I have always wondered this but does anyone in the band have ancestral connections to the Gaulish Period in history? And if so, is that a requirement to be in Eluveitie? haha.

 

Anna: Well it’s not a requiement since not everybody in Eluveitie is from that area 🙂 It’s probably also pretty hard to trace exactly, but I guess some of us may very well have connections!

 

WLM: Is there anything new that Eluveitie has in mind for the future, like possibly a “Best Of Eluveitie” album, or maybe a DVD in the works or anything you guys have wanted to do?

 

Anna: There are no concrete plans yet, but we’d really like to release a proper DVD at some point, since we have never done that before!

“Best of Eluveitie” doesn’t sound bad either… do people still do that nowadays? 😀 Or would we first need 20 albums?

 

WLM: We like to ask this to many of the artists and musicians that we interview here, and is one of our staple questions. Is there any advice you would like to give out to young people, or just people in general, in terms of trying to make it in the music industry?

 

Anna: There is lots of work, but also luck involved in “making it” in the music industry. Music business is so fucked up these days, you’re probably better off trying to make it by yourself and using platforms like “kickstarter” to fulfil your dream.

And even if you end up just playing somewhere in front of 10 people and they like it, you already HAVE made it!

 

WLM: Well, we would like to give you a HUGE Thank You once again for being one of our guest interviewees here at We Love Metal, The opportunity is utmost greatful and an honor. Again, “Origins”, is a perfect album, everything about the album is phenomenal and will stand the test of time. Are there any last words you would like to give us fans?

 

Anna: Thank you very much for the support!

 

Eluveitie – Origins

Another one to cross of my list, today brings one of the highly anticipated albums of the year. Perhaps their best album yet, drawn from many inspirations, Swiss Celtic/Folk/Death metallers, Eluveitie, are on the verge of releasing their sixth album, titled, Origins. Slated for an August 1 release, this album brings us sixteen tracks, that are rich in Folk elements, Death Metal components, with Celtic atmospheres, among other aspects. Pertaining to the title of the album, Origins, revolves around in depth Celtic and Gaulish Mythology, while the cover is taken from the ‘Halo’ that the the Gaulish God, Sucellos, emblazons. The group was formed in the early millenia, 2002 to be exact, which the following year they released their debut EP. The group labeled themself as part of The New Wave of Folk Metal, and finally in 2006, the group released their first full-length studio album, titled, Spirit. The proceeding year was a big one for the band, as they had signed a major contract and record deal with Powerhouse, Nuclear Blast Records, which led to the release of their second album, Slania. From then on, the group had lost some members and recruited some new talent as well, in addition to three more albums from about 2009-2012. Origins, is the first album with new Violinist, Nicole Asperger, and new lead guitarist, Rafael Salzmann. 

A profound and insightful message kicks off Origins. The instrumental atmosphere kicks in and sets the mood of what is to come. The perfect entrance for them live as well initially, the epic score is one that one must experience. The smooth transition leads immediately into the heavy track two, The Nameless. A barrage of blast beats and all the signature Folk instruments bring in a wave of speed and brutality. Seconds later, the track slows down a notch, and keeps a constant pace throughout the track. A Celtic atmosphere is enveloped immediately in track three, From Darkness. One of the more pipe and mandola oriented tracks, as well as with the signature speed found throughout the album pretty much gives eargasms throughout, not to mention the amazing vocal melodies that are addicting and memorable. Celtos, brings a more presentful voice to Anna Murphy, bearer of the Hurdy Gurdy. Both her and of course lead screams from Chrigel Glanzmann play off of each other in an admirable way. The intrumentals too, set the mood perfect to have an Ale and a Steak. This is one of those more optimistic Folk tracks. Track five, Virunus, takes us on a complete 180, and the rush and speed return. Group vocals impale the listener later on, and an almost Battlelore type of ambience arrives with perfect timing. Female vocals and rainfall bring us a short message in track six, Nothing, which lasts about a minute, which keeps the behavior of the album intact.

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AawUSC6hGY[/tube]

Easily one of my favorites of the album, The Call of The Mountains, does not bring speed, but a more in depth and intimate feel to their Folk side. The female vocals are only present, and reign supreme. All from the Bagpipes, Hurdy Gurdy, and Gaita give intense eargasms. I hope they make a single out of this track. Sucellos brings in rounds of heavier riffs, deeper gutteral screams and a final touch of blast beats. The longest track of the album, over five minutes long, also paves way for semi-breakdowns and of course the bagpipes, pipes and more to join alongside the richly melodic chorus. Inception, is a devious and maniacal track. In my opinion, the eerie message, makes this an Epic one. Arpeggios from all sides, pipes included come forth and deliver an astonishing performance, not a track for the faint of heart and definitely one for the speed freaks. Another one of the favorites, Vianna, comes at the listener with the same attitude as one of the previous tracks, The Call of The Mountains. A pretty simplistic Folk track, the female vocals come in once again to deliver a more intimate scenario. Once more, the speed and thrash return in the track, The Silver Sister. What else can be said, this track also lies along the same lines as some of the furiously performed previous tracks. King, is the first single to have been released of the album, and also falls in my top three tracks of the album. Is it safe to say that it also falls in my top ten songs of the year? I think so, hands down. A blend of everything Eluveitie has to offer, is perfectly executed. Aggression, mid-tempos, steady progressions, harmonious elements, speed from their Folk side and a whopping performance from Nicole Ansperger. I was blown away from the co-teamwork from her and lead vocalist and flautist, Chrigel Glanzmann. One of the profound messages comes way once more for thirty seconds, which leads us into track fifteen, Carry The Torch. Heavy and simple, epic chants and vocals are heavily present while having a more metal tone throughout. This track is perhaps their most purest of metal tracks on the album, rarely incorporating their signature Folk side. Lastly, a more sentimental atmosphere pierces us in the final anthem, Eternity. The same vocals that kick off the album, end the album in a most proper way. The flutes, pipes and all slowly depart and we are left with rain and wind, and a final fade.

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhTrT93gOzA[/tube]

Another perfect album of the year. There is not one single disappointment on this album. Equally heavy and aggressive and eargasms at various points, both design the recipe for a flawless art. Each album has one dominative component, whereas the previous album was more atmospheric and Folk, this album (as cliche as it may sound) had aggression labeled on most of itself, but still had amazing melodic Folk counterparts to it. This album truly makes me want to travel to the era of when The Gauls existed. Just in time, Eluveitie will be kicking off their month-long North American tour in mid-September and runs through near the end of October. They will be in my area in October, which of course am totally stoked to see them. When the first week of August comes and you pick up their album, you will be taken away as how fresh and diversified this album is. If you are already a fan, then you will not be let down at all, if you’re familiar with the Folk Metal scene but not Eluveitie, give this album a shot, it will take you into another world and lastly, if you’re not a fan of the group or the scene, this album will convert you, I can assure you that. Deeming themself, The New Wave of Folk Metal, they are the Kings and Queens of the genre and continue to create precious music with historical reference. They veritably are a genuine sound and continue to prove their exquisite worthy. Eluveitie,  you have done it again. Stay Metal m/

Origins: 10/10

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Featured Video: Eluveitie – King

The Pioneers and innovators, leading the scene of Folk Metal, Eluveitie, have recently released their first single titled, King. This single comes to us from their upcoming titled album, Origins, slated for an August 5th release. The Swiss Octet have also added new violinist, Nicole Ansperger, to the group. According to the band, the album will in depth, deal with Celtic and Gaulish Mythology. The Gaulish God, Sucellos, is reoccuring throughout history and other lands. Out of all the Gods in their mythology, he is the ‘Nameless One.’ Even the cover is dedicated to the ‘Halo’ that Sucellos wears. Judging on the single alone as well as the trailer, this looks like this is the bands most surprising album yet. Folk Metal has an intimate following, Eluveitie’s fanbase is a strong one, myself included. Certainly one of the top ten albums I am looking forward to for 2014! What do you think of them as a band and what are you most looking forward to or wanting most from the new album? Let us know down below. Stay Metal m/

Origins track listing:

01. Origins
02. The Nameless
03. From Darkness
04. Celtos
05. Virunus
06. Nothing
07. The Call Of The Mountains
08. Sucellos
09. Inception
10. Vianna
11. The Silver Sister
12. King
13. The Day Of Strife
14. Ogmios
15. Carry The Torch
16. Eternity

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41C26nE_wX8[/tube]

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKlU0aWP5_Y[/tube]

Featured Video: Eluveitie – Thousandfold

Eluveitie is officially in the air again. The recent news that their next album is titled, Origins, which made me really stoked now, has set me in Eluveitie mode. In addition to the new album, the band will be doing a North American Tour this Fall, a double bonus. The new album is said that it will be centered around Gaulish Mythology. The Gauls and Gaulish Language inhabited France, Germany, Hungary, Austria, and Swiss Region from about 5th Century BC to 3rd Century AD. The language is now extinct, thus the band’s inspiration for their many songs, albums and more come from this era. For those not familiar with the band, their sound is relatively close to the Gothenburg melodic death metal sound combined with obscure Folk instruments like the Hurdy-Gurdy, flutes, bag pipes, and fiddles. Similar bands include Korpiklaani, Trollfest, Ensiferum, Wintersun and Alestorm. The select genres the band falls into include, Celtic/Pagan Metal, Melodic Death Metal and the obvious one, Folk Metal. Today’s video comes from their 2010 album, Everything Remains (As It Never Was). The track titled, Thousandfold, is easily one of my all-time favorite tracks from the band. So kick-back, grab an Ale and a bratwurst and enjoy some Eluveitie. Stay Metal m/

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb8WGig0MLU[/tube]