Symphonic Metal Rocks My World:
Let Some Folk Metal take you on a Journey
songs 92-94 I HAVE RETURNED
As I research my back links into a cohesive timeline, one that tells the story of how I arrived to this point in time in which I chronicle my journey of discovery through the sub genres of metal, I do on occasion come across a stumbling block. I had taken a 4 month break from writing my blog, mostly to spend more time researching and falling in love with newer material. But another reason why I took the time off was because the songs that fall next into my timeline weren't songs that really were in playlists anymore. The main reason is rarity, some songs disappear from resources like youtube and even some bands become stagnant on last.fm. So I had a little restructuring to do to my list, and even strengthen the list for my upcoming year. So my list will continue to become even better. I do promise that after song 100 I will continually bring outstanding songs to share.
Now approaching songs 92-94, I discovered a large amount of Folk Metal in my lists, mostly due to the fact I had buried myself deep into researching Metal from Finland, and keeping bands like Enisferum and Elluvietie in my listings, and even on my Pandora Player, I kept bumping into very notable Folk Metal entries. Folk metal takes you on a journey to other worlds, just as Gothic and Symphonic Metal do. The main difference is there is regionalism attached to it. In some cases, the regionalism is fiction. If a band sings about conquering worlds on the high seas, there is very little chance the band are actually viking nomads, who play in a metal band just for kicks. Or if a band seems a little obsessed with the world of Tolkien, and write about Orcs, Faeries and Elves, its not that the band comes from a land where these things exist. But through listening and immersing yourself into the bands' mythos and folk-stories, you in turn become a part of it and can attach yourself to, as if a member of, this regional tribe.
The next 3 songs are illustrations of that, and work for me in this sense. There is plenty of Metal bands I dont get into, there are plenty that for me, just rehash whats been done. I do try my best to focus on bands that truly take on the position of a band that does things the way they want to, with a sense of originality and true-ness. I feel my selections, song by song, are examples of excellence, no matter how well known, or unknown the band is.
So lets hoist up our flags, our spears, and keep hold tight of our women and drink, for we are about to embark on a journey, one filled with the unknown, as we cast aside our fear, as we rise above our tears, as we chase the wind, we shall claim that which awaits us. The Riches of Treasure, The Spoils of Victory and Epic WIN!
Battlelore - Doombound (Finland, Power Metal, Symphonic Folk 2011)
No surprise that some of my favorite Folk Metal comes from Finland... Battlelore is one of those great examples of bands that I like simply on the fact that they are unique in their approach, or what I see and can feel as conscience intent. They truly try to bring about a world to you as if it actually exists, being that all of Battlelore’s lyrics specifically revolve around people and events in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. For most fantasy and sci-fi lovers its an appeal that is self-contained.
This is the title song from their 2011 release. It contains a slow, doomy progression with symphonic transitions and a mellow break down. A mixture of Male Growls (Tomi Mykkanen) and the nearly ethereal vocals of Kaisa Jouhki. They have toyed around with the line-up a few times, most Battlelore fans consider this the best one. The folk melodies run throughout and dont ever dominate the pace. Keeping their unique ambiance intact. After having this and some older songs from them in my playlist, this one - though at first listen is a bit mild, is actually well conceived and does give that feeling of embarking on an adventure. Question, does anyone have a broadsword?
Crimfall - The Writ of The Sword (Finland, Symphonic Folk / Viking 2011)
Speaking of swords.... Coming again from Finland, and another title track, Crimfall falls into the category of Viking Metal with only a select few, mixing Folk Metal sections with Symphonic choruses, led by the clear vocals of Helena Haaparanta, a touch of Power Metal and probably some blood. This song definitely goes through these paces, complete with some deathly howls in the background.
As for the musical folk sections, I hear some Amorphis influence as they alternate melodies between a variety of instruments. Another song i like from them, Son of North, also from the same release (The Writ of the Sword) There is alot of layers going on here, some straight passages also to help as breaks from all that is being thrown at you. But it is the sections with the different instruments that stand out for me, where the Folk melodies come into play, and doing so again, in a manner not like Ive heard from most of the Folk Metal genre.
Ancient Bards - Four Magic Elements (Italy, Symphonic/Power/Folk Metal 2010)
This Power Metal band hails from Italy and the 2010 release "The Alliance of The Kings" had given them quite a boost in popularity, as is easy to tell why. More leaning towards Power Metal, the quick paced guitars of Ancient Bards are brought very much to the forefront. The clear vocal lines of Sara Squadrani, are at times multi-layered and carry for the most part the folk-melodies. Allowing the band and those heavy guitars to rifle through. There are some folk instrumentation, this song for me was a great representation of how this band and the others above do a good job, if not better than others, of keeping their sound, their direction and intent within a general focus that doesnt seem to waive or wander. There is no head-scratching going on.
I like the mixture of instrumentation, some foreign elements, the stop-and go breaks and how each instrument takes its turn in telling the story. As Sara's vocals climb higher, the band takes you along the conquest, with victorious horns and and a recalling melody breakdown starting at the center 2:34 point. It is clear the band is composed of highly talented musicians and songwriters. A furious build up, one which you probably could slay a dragon to, before the final chorus is sung, still continues with the stop and go feel. As far as Folk Metal excellence goes, this is a bit difficult to top, specially in the more PowerMetal side so its safe to have Ancient Bards at the ready, in case you would need Fire, Flames and Brimstone to defeat some Ancient Barbarians.
Next Update: New Emerging Female Voices
