|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Folkearth: By The Sword Of My Father
The majesty and grandeur of Folk and Viking Metal has never been as vividly portrayed by any other group when compared to that of the Metal ensemble group Folkearth. The reason for such a bold statement is based on the groups staggering thirty one members from no less than eight different countries around the world and due to the fact that some of the best players in both genres are among its membership roster. The resulting recording is as massive as its membership would offer insight to and just as enjoyable when it comes down to it. By The Sword Of My Father is the second release by the group and has great inclusions such as "The Death Of Beowulf" and "Domain Of The Darksome Ravens". If you were a fan of this kind of stuff before or only heard of it via Finntroll, Korpiklaani and Skyclad then this is right up the alley of your interest. The title track itself is heavy and brooding at times but the simply named "Instrumental" makes you feel as though you ride on open fields into glorious battle or adventure and while I love spirited vocal numbers an instrumental like this wins me over easily. Some of the album makes you wonder how it would be possible to deliver this in the live sense and perhaps if done as some sort of Broadway style production in a sizable theatre it could very well work. Tribute is offered up to the Viking Gods on the song bearing the same name and it comes off as a strong drinking and "HAILS" track. The mighty Falkenbach is also offered some respect with their rendition of "Heathenpride", one of the albums most memorable moments. Many of the tunes are rousing almost call to arms type songs like "Skaldic Art" and others are more passionate like "Return To Walehalle"; a song rich with the Beauty and the Beast style. The Atmospheric side is touched up with the track "Elves" and features choruses of beautiful female voices. I have to say I played this one several times more out of enjoyment than trying to gain a lock on it and while this seems to be only available as an import right now it is something that a true fan of the genres would love and should seek out. Projects like this are a testament to the level of quality musicianship of the members and it shows how good planning and organized focus on a goal can deliver an outstanding piece of music that will be a constant listen.
The Players: Hugin, Athelstan, Wulfstan, Magnus Wohlfart, Jeremy Child, Daniel Fredriksson, Simon Frodeberg, Kristofer Janiec, Michelle Maas, Niklas Olausson, Daniel Pettersson, Ruslanas, Tobias Andrelang, Achim Erberle, Ralf Gruber, Bernd Intveen, Sabine Stelzer, Marcus Van Langen, Andre Grosschop, Marios Koutsoukos, Stefanos Koutsoukos, Nikos Nezeiritis, Hildr Valkyrie, Mark Riddick, Axel, Becky, Alessandro Caruso, Francesca Crottin, Igor Saviola, Raven, Ulven – while we did not list each players individual instrumental talent the listener will find today's implements of music as well as the more traditional celtic harp, tin whistle, bagpipes, medieval lutes, recorders, violins, fiddles and assorted percussion all across the release.
Track Listing
1. Introduction
2. The Lady's Gift
3. By The Sword Of My Father
4. Naglear Sets Sail
5. The Death Of Beowulf
6. Instrumental
7. Skaldic Art
8. Domain Of The Darksome Ravens
9. Return To Walehalle
10. Heathenpride
11. Elves
12. Invictus
13. Wisdom Of Wolves
14. Sailing A Viking
15. Tribute To The Viking Gods
16. Journey Ends
Added: July 25th 2007 Reviewer: Ken Pierce Score: Related Link: Folkearth Website Hits: 3981 Language: english
[ Printer Friendly Page ] [ Send to a Friend ] |
|
[ Back to the Reviews Index ]
|
|
» SoT Staff Roundtable Reviews: |
Folkearth: By The Sword Of My Father Posted by Pete Pardo, SoT Staff Writer on 2007-07-25 06:44:55 My Score:
Musicians from many bands from all over the globe make up Folkearth, an interesting metal project that combines folk, Viking, and Power metal styles into a very symphonic & melodic sound. Hints of Skyclad, Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Dragonforce, and even Blind Guardian pop up throughout By the Sword Of My Father, the band's sophomore release (Stygian Crypt Productions). The use to tin whistles, flute, bagpipe, and violins add a nice ethnic, folky flavor to otherwise rampaging metal tracks like "The Lady's Gift", "Naglfar Sets Sail", "The Death of Beowolf", and the awesome title track. However, there are a fair amount of "hoist your pint up in the air and dance the jig" type of pieces here, like "Instrumental", "Wisdom of Wolves", and "Tribute to the Viking Gods". It's all pretty lighthearted fare, even when the band cranks up the black metal growls on a few occasions, as if the band is saying "this is fun stuff people, just get off your arse and enjoy!". The instrumenation is tight and well played, both the metal and folk elements, and the vocals range from melodic clean passages, a gruff Viking style, black metal screech, and ethereal female vocals, all well done I might add.
If you are in the mood for a really fun metal CD, do yourself a favor and pick this one up, You'll be gauranteed to have a jolly good time with it.
|
|
|
|
© 2004 Sea Of Tranquility | For information regarding where to send CD promos and advertising, please see our FAQ page.
If you have questions or comments, please Contact Us.
Please see our Policies Page for Site Usage, Privacy, and Copyright Policies.
|
All logos and trademarks in this site are property of their respective owner. The comments are property of their posters, all other content © Sea of Tranquility
SoT is Hosted by SpeedSoft.com
|
|