Equilibrium – Sagas
Nuclear Blast Records

(4/5)

The mythological side of Metal is striking Rock In Review once again with Equilibrium’s Nuclear Blast Records debut album entitled Sagas. Equilibrium could be put into a few different categories because of the different influences they put into their music, but I think Viking metal or Symphonic Black metal suits them best. However, Folk metal and Pagan metal are not too far off because of their use of flutes, strings, and riffs that reflect traditional Germanic melodies. Either way, this band is awesome! Just like Eluveitie, Equilibrium is on the heavier side of the more Folk style of Metal using lots of electric guitar parts, double bass, and the screaming style of vocals. As far as the tracks on the album goes, I would suggest listening to “Snüffel” (Track 6), “Die Weide und der Fluß” (Track 9), and “Mana” (Track 13). These three tracks are good examples of how Equilibrium sounds. Out of the the three, “Mana” is probably my favorite because it’s just over 16 minutes long and it really shows the band’s musical talents since it’s completely instrumental. Overall, Sagas is a great album for fans of Viking metal, Pagan metal, Symphonic Black metal, and the heavier end of Folk metal.

Eluveitie – Slanía
Nuclear Blast Records

(4/5)

Eluveitie has produced one of the most exciting Folk metal albums of the year, Slanía. With a collaborated effort from all eight members of the band, Slanía helps Eluveitie go a step forward on the Pagan metal scene that combines traditional, authentic Celtic Folk music a modern styled Melodic Death metal. The members are as follows: Merlin Sutter (drums), Anna Murphy (hurdygurdy and vocals), Ivo Henzi (guitar), Chrigel Glanzmann (lead vocals, mandola, acoustic guitar, tin & low whistles, uilleann pipes, and gaita), Rafi Kirder (bass and vocals), Meri Tadic (fiddle and vocals), Siméon Koch (guitars and vocals), and Sevan Kirder (tin & low whistles, Irish flute, gaita, and vocals). Overall, all eight members really do a great job presenting this revolutionary material from Switzerland. On the overall album, there are a few tracks that really caught my attention. The one that really stuck out over all the rest to me is “Elembívos” (track 12). The vocals consist only of a simple chant that remains constant throughout the entire song as the music builds up until it is at a maximum heavy capacity before going back just the chant, then back to full strength for the remainder of the song. The concept is fairly basic, but the overall product is a great closer as far as the regular tracks go. Other than “Elembívos”, “Prímordíal Breath” (track 2), “Gray Sublíme Archon” (track 4), and “Bloodstaíned Ground” stuck out for the large Metal influences used in the songs. For pure examples of the Celtic Folk style, “Anagantíos” (track 5) and “Gíamoníos” (track 9) are both excellent instrumental pieces. Overall, Slanía has one of the most interesting mixes of styles compiled into one album, but it all works out to be one of the best albums put out on the Pagan metal and Folk metal scenes in 2008!

Korpiklaani – Korven Kuningas
Nuclear Blast Records

(4/5)

Normally, Folk music and Metal can be found on totally opposite ends of the spectrum, but thanks to the efforts of Korpiklaani and similar bands, the two styles have been mashed together to form the new soundtrack to a night at the bar! The most recent release of this kind by Korpiklaani is entitled Korven Kuningas. Korven Kuningas is the fifth release for this Finnish Folk metal band and is written in the native Finnish language in an effort to reconnect the music to its roots. Altogether, Korpiklaani consists of guitarists Jonne Järvelä and Kalle “Cane” Savijärvi, bassist Jarkko Aaltonen, drummer Matti “Matson” Johansson, Jaakko “Hittavainen” Lemmetty playing violin, jouhikko, and woodwinds, and Juho Kauppinen on accordion. To compare these six guys’ sound to anything else I have heard, I’d have to say that they sound like a Finnish version of Flogging Molly! And to be honest, I never thought I’d mention an accordion player in a Metal band! Overall, Korven Kuningas is a different experience than what I expected, but I really like this album and Korpiklaani as a whole. Of the 15 tracks on the album, it is hard to say which ones are the “best”, but my personal favorite is the single off the album, “Keep On Galloping”. This song combines the “bounce” of the polka/folk feel with a bit of the heaviness of the guitars. Another great track is the first track of the album, “Tapporauta”. This song really gives you a feel for the Folk metal genre with it’s Heavy metal style opening and its fast paced, polka feel, throughout the rest of the song, that is spiced up with, what sounds like, some double bass from Matti. A few other good tracks to listen to are “Ali Jäisten Vetten”, “Kipakka”, and “Suden Joiku”. All in all, if you really like the Folk sound of Flogging Molly infused with some Metal guitar parts and lyrics in Finnish, sit back, grab a pint or three (if you’re of legal age), and enjoy Korven Kuningas!