Following on from yesterday's post where I laid out my idea and then shared numbers 20 - 11 in my list of what I consider to be the essential 20 Folk Metal albums that all fans of the genre should own / hear. Here I give to you numbers 10 - 6. There are some formidable albums here, but the best is yet to come. Any guesses as to what might have made the top 5?
Following on from the previous couple of pieces I have written on Folk/Pagan Metal (quite a while ago, now), I belatedly give you a list of what I consider to be the 20 essential albums the scene has produced in its 20+ year existence.
These are the albums that I think any self-respecting fan of the scene should own (or have at least heard). As I said previously, I have been into this sub-genre for the past 2 decades and have embraced it passionately, so you can be sure that this list comes from both a knowledge of and love for the scene and some of the truly great music it has produced. Even though I, and others, lump these bands together due to some tenuous folk-ish link, they are often wildly different in sound, presentation and style. There are the "Viking" influenced bands, the Slavic bands, the "drinking" bands and anything and everything in between. The only true link between these acts is the "Pagan" and/or "traditional" slant the music takes and the recurring atavistic attitudes and references to a real or imagined time gone by. This is especially notable with the Slavic bands, but in most cases, should not be construed as being NS, although sometimes bands within the genre do lean towards this way of "thinking". You won't find those bands (knowingly, at least) on this list. So, raise those horns (fingers or drinking) and prepare for a musical journey into the mists of time and into a world where violins, hurdy-gurdys, accordions and their ilk are not only acceptable, but almost mandatory.
The process of elimination for this list was a labour of love / really difficult for me, as was the positioning in the top 20, so if your personal favourite didn't make the cut, feel free to tell me why you think it should have. I have listed the albums in reverse order, starting at 20 and going to 1. Click on the links provided for a taster from each album. Below are the first 10. Enjoy!
20. Cnoc An Tursa(Scotland)
Album: The Giants Of Auld (2013)
Recommended track: The Lion Of Scotland
19. Týr (Faroe Islands)
Album: By The Light Of The Northern Star (2009)
Recommended track: Hold The Heathen Hammer High
18. Solefald(Norway)
Album: Red For Fire: An Icelandic
Odyssey Part 1 (2005)
I have lost my way somewhat with the original idea behind these weekly updates. They are supposed to be for posting the best of the new music I have heard during the week, but as I still have a huge backlog of new music to listen to and haven't written a lot for a few weeks, I think it is OK to include some older songs here anyway. It will be this way for the next couple of weeks until I manage to catch up on said backlog. Anti-Mortem
Southern Rock-infused Metal with more than a little bit of a Black Label Society meets SOiL vibe. There is nothing cutting edge about this, but if you like your Metal instilled with a bit of a groove, then you could do worse than Anti-Mortem.
Trap Them
While not quite as all-out vicious as previous release "Darker Handcraft", Trap Them's new album "Blissfucker" is nonetheless still a nasty, spiteful and nihilistic little bastard. Trap Them go straight for the jugular with high velocity riffing and harrowing shrieks, occasionally slowing the pace to lure you in,before spitting in your gullible face. This is not one for the faint of heart and I wouldn't recommend it if you want to start your day with some positive thoughts. If you like your music extreme, then Trap Them might just be for you.
Bury Tomorrow
Fairly straight forward and by the book Metalcore of the Swedish Melodeath-influenced variety, complete with elements of first generation American Metalcore bands such as Killswitch Engage and Enforsaken as well as European acts like Heaven Shall Burn. It's very unlikely to change your life, but if you a fan of the aforementioned bands with their (vaguely predictable) aggressive verse / melodic chorus style, then there may well be something for you to sink your teeth into here.
Syconaut
Hailing from my hometown of Skövde, Swedens unsung heroes, Syconaut are poised to make their long-awaited return after a (frankly too long) break of 5 years and it's great to have them back. Noticeably heavier than previous releases, the band's Hardcore / Melodic Death Metal roots are still there, but this time are bolstered by an even more varied approach, with the slower, more brooding parts being balanced out perfectly with some Lamb Of God style groove and heaviness. I've only heard 2 songs from the new album, but it is already shaping up to be a monster and a definite contender for a place in my year-end best of list. I've been following these chaps since I saw them live at a local club way back in 2006 and have been a dedicated fan ever since. Here is a link to a couple of new songs from the album which is due to drop on July 14th.
Vampire
Here we have another Swedish band, this time in the shape of Gothenburg Death / Thrashers Vampire. For a debut, the band's self-titled album is a very confident and respectable release. Style wise, they have opted for a retro 'Bonded in Blood' meets 'Scream Bloody Gore' hybrid which is certain to please the older crowd / younger wannabes. While this album if far from being a classic, given a few more years to hone their craft and to gain all-important confidence and experience, Vampire really could be something very special indeed.
It's been a while since I (dis)graced this blog page with one of my "weekly" round-ups, but after a short break due to lack of inspiration, physical problems, being on holiday and so on, I'm now back in my flow. Some of the stuff here may well be old news to some of you and if that is the case, then I apologise. As always, it's a bit of a mixed bag, so whatever your tastes, be it Industrial, Sludge or even upbeat Hip Hop, there should be something here that you haven't heard and that may be of interest to at least a few of you Mastodon
Mastodon are essentially a Prog Rock band for people who don't like Prog Rock. As accessible as they are complex, Mastodon never disappoint with their quirky yet catchy anthems. Admittedly, after the initial few "spins", the new album seems to be lacking the punch of their previous effort 'The Hunter', but that is no reason to dismiss it as it is still so far ahead of the rest of the pack, that Mastodon must be almost embarrassed for their peers.
Sonic Syndicate
The 4 year wait is over and the second Sonic Syndicate album to feature the impressive pipes of Nathan James Biggs (formerly of Shropshire-based The Hollow Earth Theory) is finally upon us. After what, for me at least, was a disappointing debut with the band, I remained hopeful that this, the follow-up, would be a huge improvement and thankfully it is. Nathan has been given chance to shine, both vocally and as a song writer and it would appear that the band have released the reins they had him on last time and have unleashed the monster we all knew was in there.
Corrosion Of Conformity
Still going strong after all these years, COC show very little inclination to mellow or to grow old gracefully. No, this isn't the cutting-edge Crossover of yore, but it is still brimming with groove and raw energy. It is very apparent that after so many years of playing and writing together, the 3 current core members of the band are very comfortable with each other and with themselves as a unit and although the angry youths of the 80's are long gone, the music remains vital and energetic. The distorted guitars crunch and the vocals wail throughout the duration of this Grunge-tinged Southern / Sludge Metal monster of an album. All in all, yet another consistent album that is more than worthy of the COC name.
Deathstars
After what seemed like an age, Deathstars are back again to fill the dancefloors of Rock and Metal clubs the world over with their upbeat Rammstein meets PAIN via Sisters Of Mercy Gothic / Industrial stomp. Not a lot has changed if I'm honest, but that isn't really important as despite my own lazy comparisons, Deathstars have a distinct and catchy sound all of their own and when they are on form as they are here, they are pretty much unstoppable.
Alestorm
As I've said before, what's not to like? Ridiculous song titles and subject matter (Surf Squid Warfare, anyone?), a tongue in cheek gimmick and alcohol fueled silliness all wrapped up in a Folk Metal package...complete with keytar. That this pirate schtick still hasn't outstayed its welcome after 6 years and 3 albums is to the band's credit. Storming out of the blocks with the first "single" from their upcoming fourth album 'Sunset On The Golden Age", Alestorm defy the odds again and make me want to drink and party like it's 1699. The band's 'gimmick' shows no sign of getting old so enjoy the rum-soaked anomaly that is Alestorm, raise your glasses high and 'Drink'.
Professor Elemental
How to describe Professor Elemental? With his Steampunk-influenced character gimmick and music which makes use of samples of Lounge, Jazz, Swing and more combined with both old and new-school Hip-Hop, Elemental is pretty much in a class all of his own. There is nothing else out there that sounds like this sharp-dressed fellow and with his upbeat music and seemingly unlimited positivity, his new album 'The Giddy Limit' is the perfect summer soundtrack.
Band: Judas Priest Album: Redeemer of Souls Label: Epic Columbia Genre: Heavy Metal Country: England Release Date: 14th July 2014
Who would have thought that the loss of a founding member and songwriter would actually turn out to be a good thing for Judas Priest. When KK Downing announced his depearture from the band (oddly at the beginning of the "farewell" tour) many, including yours truly, thought that the band was done - it felt like the tour really would be an "Epitaph" for one of Metal's most popular and revered acts. Enter new guitarist, Ritchie Faulkner - who, incidentally hadn't even reached his first birthday when the classic 'British Steel' album was released. After 40 years, it seems as if a new and exciting young guitarist was just what the band needed to rekindle the spark that has been missing for too long and to reignite the passion and energy which had been lacking from the last few releases. So, with a new lineup in place, Priest entered the studio to begin the recording of album number 17.
After what has felt like an eternity - but was actually just 3 years - said album, 'Redeemer Of Souls' is finally upon us and I am very pleased to announce that, not only is it far better than anything I could have expected following the disappointing 'Angel Of Retribution' and the flaccid 'Nostradamus', but it is actually a genuine, lead-weight Metal classic. I did everything I could not to be swept along by the hype that has been forthcoming from the band in the media, but despite myself, I found myself positively buzzing with excitement over this album. Somehow it seemed like this might finally be the one that every Priest fan had been waiting for since Rob's return to the band. It may have taken just over a decade, but as the old adage goes "better late than never".
Style-wise, 'Redeemer...' is a potent blend of 'British Steel' and 'Painkiller', but with hints of the early days, the Ripper-era and Rob's solo material making their presence felt. This is without a doubt the strongest collection of songs from the band since the aforementioned 'Painkiller', but with the variation and timeless feel of the late '70's / early '80's material. Simply put, this is classic Judas Priest, reinvented and re(de)fined for the modern era.
Although the production job is clean and crisp and emphasises the (as always) flawless lead guitar work, it does feel a little flatter than I'd have hoped for and whereas I'm happy to hear Rob on fine form (in the studio, at least), the bass and drums are unfortunately a little lost in the mix and are lacking in power. This little gripe aside - and in the grand scheme, it is a minor issue - this is a great Heavy Metal record for the ages and one that could hold its own if it was to be played back to back along with anything from Priest's impressive back catalogue.
This is the record I wanted to hear back in 2003 and this band of hoary old veterans have finally delivered the goods. Sorry Hell, but Judas Priest have regained their crown as the best pure Heavy Metal band on the planet and in doing so have really upped the ante. It's been said before, but this time it can actually be said with all sincerity...The Priest is back!
Total Playing Time: 61:32 Overall: 10/10
Tracklist:
Dragonaut
Redeemer Of Souls
Halls Of Valhalla
Sword Of Damocles
March Of The Damned
Down In Flames
Hell And Back
Cold Blooded
Metalizer
Crossfire
Secrets Of The Dead
Battle Cry
Beginning Of The End
Equilibrium
While the long-awaited return of Germany's Epic Folk / Viking metallers finds them in familiar territory, it is also a marked improvement on 2010's disappointing "Rekreatur" which saw the band struggling to break in a new vocalist. Four years on and said vocalist, Robse has found his place in the band and has become confident and comfortable in the role. For those familiar with the band, "Erdentempel" should tick all of the necessary boxes and will be a reassuring return to the sound the band pioneered on their first two (classic) albums "Turis Fratyr" and "Sagas".
In Flames
I have to admit that I am a little torn with this one. On one hand, the band has moved their sound forward (yet again) and this song has a monster chorus, but on the other "Rusty Nail" sounds a little messy - as if the band threw every idea they could think of at it and hoped something would stick. The finished result is a song that struggles to get going and never quite seems to gel, but I will reserve final judgment until the full album is released in September. For now, have a listen and decide for yourselves.
Falconer
Although I'm not (and never have been) a fan of Power Metal, I have always had a soft spot for Sweden's Falconer and the new album doesn't disappoint. The vocals still have that 'medieval bard' charm and the songs are still annoyingly catchy, but the last couple of albums have seen the band introduce a darker streak to their upbeat Folk Metal sound. New album "Black Moon Rising" continues on this path with Maiden-esque leads and stomping riffs playing off against swathes of virtuoso keyboards and some syrupy chorus vocals and the result is most definitely a triumph - albeit a guilty pleasure of a triumph. Power Metal fans should find plenty to enjoy here and the rest of you will too - even if you won't want to admit it.
Hoth
They might be named after an icy planet in the Star Wars universe (and have a logo reminiscent of a Tie-fighter), but there is nothing geeky about Hoth's brand of Melodic Black Metal and incidentally, their name is actually the Anglicised version of the name of the ancient Norse god, Höðr. Musically, the band share a lot in common with the Folk-tinged Blackened Metal of Forefather, both in their use of melodies and the way that blast beats and icy riffs give way to acoustic passages and vice versa. That being said, "Oathbreaker" is a revelation and, despite some similarities with other acts in the genre, Hoth are very much visionaries who are taking the sound of Folk Black Metal forward.
Sonic Syndicate
Although I have followed Nathan (not in a stalker way) since his Hollow Earth Theory days, I'm sorry to say that I found his first album with Sonic Syndicate to be a terrible disappointment. Filled with clichéd half-riffs and radio-friendly pop Gothenburg Metal songs. I'm not saying any of this was Nathan's fault and as a live band Sonic were and are still a force to be reckoned with. This time around, the band have, for the most part, dispensed with the pop sensibilities and Nathan has been given the platform to shine that I don't think he was given the first time around. It would appear, from the two songs that I have heard so far, that lessons have been learned from the misguided (and apparently record label driven) change of direction of the last album. I just hope that it isn't too late for the band to win back the fans that they alienated with said album. I'd urge you all to put "We Rule The Night" down as a blip in the band's discography and we can all move forward.
When I saw that there was a new album on the way from Sweden's Avatar, I was prepared for more of the same Melodic Death Metal as they delivered on their last album, 2012's "The Black Waltz". Instead what I hear is more of an Industrial / Nu-Metal stomp with the added quirkiness of Dog Fashion Disco / Mr Bungle and the ear for a melody of Faith No More or even Mr. Serj Tankian. This really is a most welcome change of direction from Avatar and is one that has every chance of propelling them into the realms of the more mainstream end of Metal. Not that this is a complaint. Far from it. This is a great album and is one that deserves your full attention. Remember this name. You'll be hearing it a lot more in the future. I guarantee it.
Body Count
What did I expect to hear from a new studio album by Ice T and his "Metal" band, Body Count in 2014? Well, I wasn't sure, but I certainly expected a LOT more than this cringe-worthy embarrassment of an album. Body Count had their 15 minutes back of fame in 1994 with the decent enough "Born Dead" album - but that was then and this is now...and thankfully things have moved on a lot since the early 90's (other than Ice T, it would appear). "Manslaughter" (in my case man's laughter) is so bad that it would have sounded hideously dated in 1995 and is so cliché-ridden that you would be forgiven for thinking that it was actually a parody Rap / Nu-Metal album. Sadly though, this is 100% serious. If I woke up from a 20 year coma, I think I would be wishing that I hadn't. In fact, I DO wish that I hadn't heard this turgid drivel. I actually didn't even make it until the end of the second track, so it could get better. But somehow, I doubt it. Avoid. At all costs. If you really must hear a "song" from the album, be my guest:
Mushroomhead
Mushroomhead always got a raw deal back in the day. Much better than they were given credit for, they were always unfairly maligned for "copying" Slipknot's masked gimmick. Regardless of who did it first (it was Mushroomhead, trivia fans), this backlash was always inevitable. Which is a real shame as if you look beyond the costumes and masks, you will find a band with a real knack for writing a catchy tune. They may not really have moved forward, musically, in the past decade, but if you are a fan of the band, then this is a good thing. New album, the oddly-titled "The Righteous & The Butterfly" ticks all of the same boxes as the last album "Beautiful Stories For Ugly Children", with it's Avant-garde take on Industrial / Alt / Nu-Metal.
Vallenfyre
Essentially a super-group comprising members of British Doom Metal bands, My Dying Bride (Hamish Glencross) and Paradise Lost (Gregor Mackintosh) along with Swedish drummer Adrian Erlandsson - himself a former member of such Metal luminaries as At The Gates, The Haunted, Deathstars, Cradle Of Filth and many more - Vallenfyre are as close to Doom Metal perfection as you could ever wish for. The combination of Gregor's distinctive, mournful lead work with that of Hamish's sorrowful, wailing guitar sound is nothing short of beautiful and with Gregor's vocal delivery being in a similar vein to that of early Paradise Lost, you really are in the presence of something very special here. The sorrowful, tectonic-plate paced guitars are bolstered by some ferocious Death Metal riffing and absolutely spot on song writing, At times, the music may well be reminiscent of bands such as Celtic Frost, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Obituary etc, but it is so much more. This is classic Doom / Death Metal reinvented for the modern era and this, the band's second album is nothing less than essential for fans of the genre.
Shores Of Null
Up next we have some Melodic Death / Doom from Italy's Shores Of Null. "Quiescence" would be a great album by pretty much any standards, but that it is actually the band's debut is nothing short of astonishing. Here is a band that takes influences from past (and current) masters and blends them with fresh, innovative ideas all of their own to create something of a modern-day masterpiece. The influences are often clear for all to hear, but Shores Of Null have just raised the bar.
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