In my experience, some Hard Rock acts have elements of other genres incorporated into their works. Other times, they have so many other elements they just don’t belong in the Hard Rock category. If you’re looking for true Hard Rock, this is where that’s at. Continue reading “Shakra – Snakes & Ladders”
Longtime metallers, Samael recently released their latest album Hegemony. Having a plethora of favorable elements, this is one of the most straight up heavy albums I’ve listened to this year. Continue reading “Samael – Hegemony”
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. Continue reading “Eluveitie – Evocation II – Pantheon”
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How this band started is a pretty cool story actually and once you know where they come from, everything will explain itself and fall into place. The Debut EP from metallers, Xaon, is a revitalizing and fresh injection into the metal scene. Continue reading “Album Review: Xaon – Face of Balaam EP”
Today’s featured album and artist really gives me a punch in the face. After listening to Arcturon’s EP titled, Expect Us, they certainly captured the title of their EP. We can expect their musicianship to be threatening, aggressive and boastful in attitude as the tracks all present a devious affair. Founded in the mid 2000’s, Swiss death metal quartet, Arcturon, have previously released a few more albums before today. After looking at the groups history, they all have had previous experience in other projects, thus bringing their experienced talents together to form this bold death metal group. While they play death metal, they pretty much stay on track with modern death metal, not necessarily taking the traditional old school death metal route, rather taking it to their own tuning and liking, which I respect when an artist does that.
My Treasure wastes no time in putting the pedal to the metal. A hooky riff initiates the album then a thunderstorm waves in and the intensity ensues. After listening to this track, you’ll see how modern they are in their death metal technique. Vocalist, Aljosha Gasser, really lays down those gutterals, man. The title track of the EP is of course one of the better tracks. Though they don’t have a keyboardist in their main lineup, the track is really rich in ambient keys in the background, pair this with the killer blast beats, you get amazing eargasms. Once again, the vocals are pretty intense which remind me heavily of Deviuldriver vocalist, Dez Fafara, just crazy.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZiof4ZbE6c[/tube]
A Restless Soul takes on an almost astral approach, bringing in some light atmospheric pleasures throughout. The track doesn’t get as savage as the previous two, but still remains on the heavy route, showcasing a slightly tamer side of themselves. Not a bad track, check it out. Lastly, Rowan, returns with the extreme vocals that also bring in insightful lyrics. The hauntingly abundant ambience also returns in addition to piano in the background to add to the eerieness. The track is much darker than the rest, hands down.
This EP offers lots of elements throughout. What I enjoyed from it was the fact that their style and sound changed roughly in each track. Rather than trying to be the most brutal and fastest players from start to end, they offered that as well as their darker side, telling us that they can add some stimulating evil to their ranks. Though I love brutality as much as the next person, it’s respectable when a group switches it up, though I would have liked to have seen more aggressiveness. Nonetheless this EP is not too shabby at all. Like I said, it’s a modern approach to death metal and I had a few artists revolving through my mind throughout this album. I am sure in their next full-length release, we will probably see even more twists and variety. Stay Metal m/
Expect Us EP: 7/10
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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/
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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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]
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]
Today brings something favorable for the Classic/Hard Rock community. It’s not everyday I sit down and listen to a band that is much more tame to the rest of the metal featured here at We Love Metal. A band I have heard of and seen their name many a time, I finally was able to get their recently released album, Bang!. Swiss Hard Rockers, Gotthard, marked their eleventh album release on April 4th, 2014. The band took its name from the regionally famous mountatin range, Saint-Gotthard Massif. In the band’s history, most of their albums have hit the #1 spot in the charts in their country, while also hitting high peaks in other charts, throughout Europe and abroad. Thus far, the band has sold over 2 million albums, which led them to recieve multi-platinum awards. Their 20+ year history is a feat not many artists today can say they’ve accomplished. In 2010, lead singer, Steve Lee, tragically died in a motorcycle accident while pursuing one of his long-awaited dreams of touring the US on a Harley. Bang!, marks the second album with new blood and new singer, Nic Meader. Just over an hour long, we are set on a course full of Deja Vu, lots of feel, confidence and dynamic groove and energy. A rarity nowadays, the album includes 13 songs and an opening vocal track that sums it up to 14 tracks officially. Some of the influences the band takes comes from, Whitesnake, Van Halen, Deep Purple, AC/DC and Led Zeppelin.
A vocal intro with, Let Me In Katie, 40 seconds later, the opening title track drops in. Bang!, is vocally stimulating and a mellow hit. Nothing too wild and crazy for the title track. One of my favorites, the single Feel What I Feel, I would say goes out to the older generations, as well as anyone passionately fond of classic rock and metal. The radio friendly and mainstream track is full of raw edge and meaningful melodic choruses, one of the best tracks of the album. C’est La Vie, marks the first song the band sings in only French. It’s simplicty and soft nature drives the savory attitude of the album momentous. The acoustic tones are well integrated with the subtle hints of violin. The next track, aptly titled, Jump The Gun, easily is perfect for any bar scene to have. A moderate composition of Hard Rock presumes the track as such. Spread Your Wings, also falls into my favorites category. Noticably abundant in post-grunge elements, the track also includes an optimistically charging chorus that certainly keeps the listener’s audible attention.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIWZ6Kzwm7Y[/tube]
The rest of the album proves worthwhile and deserving. My Belief, is where the harder of tunes come in. A myriad of Harder elements bring excuses to bang your head lightly while the solo only adds the the edge brought upon us. If you’re into the softer tracks, the next one will surely sing to you, for the track, Maybe (Duett), is exactly what it is titled, a Duet. An absense of hard drums devotedly rings true to the track. Nothing but singer, Nic Meader’s vocals, mixing with a female’s voice. After hearing it a few times, it surely does bring that slight melancholic factor into play. Back on track to power and sleaze, What You Get, kicks the album another half notch up. No slow moments here folks, plenty of constant drumming and hard riffage for all you badasses. Finally, the closing ten-minute track, Thank You, really succumbs at the pinnacle of sentiment. I really had no idea who the song thanks, I guess it can be anyone special in your life. Later on in the track we are exposed to guitar-sweeping and more, which only validates the potential the band has fused all into ten minutes. I could not have chosen a more befitting track to close on.
It was quite the pleasure to add a little change of pace to my metal and music overall. From a site so dedicated to Heavy Metal and the like, this was a gratifying way to expand on the genres of music. Throughout the end of the year, the band will be touring throughout Europe. Who knows if they’ll make their way to this side of the Globe anytime soon. Recently announced, their album has been #1 on the Swiss Album Charts for the 3rd week in a row. Gotthard is certainly no underdog now, their history and works prove it. Let’s just sit back and join the long rewarding ride with Gotthard. Stay Metal m/
Bang! – 7/10
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The Metal Alchemy 