News from this week

From polish folk rockers - ALNE:
'We are working on our new album! The drums have already been recorded and this month we are recording the guitars. The new line-up is:

Kasia – vocals
Klimorh – guitar
Horizon – guitar
Góral – bass
A.S. – drums
Agnieszka – cello

Well, the line-up is not the only new thing, our songs are totally different. Just listen to the drums from one of the new songs…(here - Vlad.)
As with our debut album, this time the themes of the lyrics are inspired by the native faith, the spirituality of the land ALNE comes from, the spiritual traditions of Slavonic and old Prussian people. Three texts were prepared by Alne, but the rest of the lyrics were written by contemporary “pagan” poets – Wojciech Mytnik and Piołun… More details about the lyrics available soon.

We have prepared 9 songs, including the cover version of ,,A Mask in the Mirror” by Ved Buens Ende.

Some graphics have already been prepared by Black Forest Forge.'

Check out band's music here.

---

From norwegian progressive band IN VAIN:
'IN VAIN JOIN NIFLHEIM FESTIVAL TOUR AS SPECIAL GUESTS

We will join Niflheim Festival Tour 2014, March 7 - 15, together with Borknagar, Månegarm, Ereb Altor and Shade Empire.

Johnar Håland (In Vain) comments: “After the great reception of our latest release ‘Ænigma’, we are delighted to be back on tour in March. We are joining as special guests on the Niflheim Festival, which will be headlined by the Norwegian legends Borknagar, who are making a long awaited comeback as a touring band. The package is also including Månegarm, Ereb Altor and Shade Empire. See you on the road!”

07.03 - ERFURT, FROM HELL (DE)
08.03 - OBERHAUSEN, HELVETE (DE)
09.03 - WROCLAW, ALIBI (PL)
10.03 - BERLIN, K17 (DE)
11.03 - BUDAPEST, DÜRER KERT (HU)
12.03 - MONTECCHIO MAGGIORE, E20 UNDERGROUND (IT)
13.03 - ROME, TRAFFIC (IT)
14.03 - ROMAGNANO SESIA, ROCK’N'ROLL ARENA (IT)
15.03 - ZÜRICH, DYNAMO (CH)'

Listen to band's music here.

---

SLAVOGORJE, croatian project which plays a mixture of metal, folk and neofolk is returning after five years break. The upcoming full-lenght album is announced to be released in this year via Werewolf Promotions. More info - soon.

Check out band's music here.

---

Since 25th of February you can order a second full-lenght album of AGAEL, entitled 'Trost'. It's a one-men project from Germany, playing black metal with dark ambient influences. The whole stuff will be released via Naturmacht Productions on CD.

Check band's music here.

---

Italian progressive post black metal aesthetes JANVS have re-arranged and completely re-recorded their debut demo tape “Nigredo” from 2004. The band took this decision after constant demand from the public, due to the success of their two albums “Fvlgvres” in 2007 and “Vega” in 2008. The revernissage of their classic “tape” will include as bonus track a cover of Enslaved “793” with ‘the man’ Ivar Bjornson as special guest on lead guitar. Italian talented designer Francesco Gemelli took care of the album’s new artwork! ”Nigredo” will be released by Avantgarde Music in deluxe 4-panel digipak with 12-page booklet in the end of February 2014 and is available since today in the label’s Bandcamp page.

Check out their music here.

---

American atmospheric black metallers WAYFARER from Denver, Colorado has revealed the first details of their debut full-length album “Children of the Iron Age“, scheduled for release in digital and physical form the summer of 2014. The band has released so far a demo in 2012 with incomplete line-up, so “Children of the Iron Age” is actually the first complete work of the band, having a running time of 68 minutes. It was recorded at Flatline Audio in Westminster, Colorado with Shane Howard (Martriden), mixed and mastered in the same studio by Dave Otero (Cobalt, Primitive Man, Nightbringer). Wayfarer have unveiled the beautiful cover artwork by the fantastic Stigma: Sam Nelson’s Art, as well as the album tracklist. In the Bandcamp page you can listen to the song “Forests Ash by Dawn” from the upcoming album and get a taste of their music.

Check band's music here.

Furia - 'W melancholii' (2013)

Furia

'W Melancholii'

Pagan Recs.

2013

'W melancholii' is the second EP released by Furia - a polish black metal horde, which like to experiment from time to time. This time Let The World Burn crew experiments even more than usual.
There are only two tracks here, but they're total playing time is almost 18 minutes - quite long. Both are also played in similar way. Everyone who was expecting a black metal inferno will be obviously disappointed. But from the other side - do you really expect any predictability from this band? But back to the topic - both tracks are very minimalistic and, let say, muted. The guitars play slowly psychodelic motifs, from time to time being accompanied by drums. Label 'experimantal' is quite on the spot in this case - all these guitar dissonances and noises in the background seems to only strengthen my point. The atmosphere is really amazing, especially when you are listenning to it in headphones, completely alone. The title means in polish 'In melancholy', and I think that it's very suitable - music is very calm, and indeed melancholic.
Beside normal metal instruments the music is also supported by some frugal electronic tunes, which make this release even more distant from the typical 'few accords and screaming' scheme. This a bit 'cosmic' sound is really breathtaking. Also the ending of both of the tracks is very unexpected. Especially the first one will surprise you hehe. From my side I would like to just add that this motif is simply amazing - it's propably my favourite part of this EP. Another proof that the guys are not affraid to do anything they want.
Well, and that's it - short release means short review. My conclusion is as follows: people buy this thing, 'cause it's worth you money and time.

Rate: 8/10
Vladyka

Listen to Furia's music here, from bandcamp.

Tracklist:

1. Z melancholika krew nie wypływa

2. Napuchną mną drzewa

Total time: 17:36

Emyn Muil - 'Turin Turambar Dagnir Glaurunga' (2013)

Emyn Muil

'Turin Turambar Dagnir Glaurunga'

Nartum Music Projects

2013

Epicness, atmosphere, black metal and Tolkien - what band comes to your head? Of course Summoning. There are/were quite many bands influenced by this legendary duo - one were better, other were worse. Emyn Muil, a debutant one-men solo project from the sunny Italia is one of another austrians disciples.
Other band that comes to my head is of course Elffor. The label/band put to this list also Windir and Arathorn. Well, the elements of the first one can be barely heard here, the second one is unknown to me. Yet I hope that you got the general idea? The music is epic, yet also very raw and dark. The closest clue are here three first albums of Summoning - they have more or less similar atmosphere. The production is not very well, vocals are screaming in an unintelligible way and keyboard-based ambient creates 'epicness'. I have nothing against 'bad' production, but here sometimes everything is merge into one thing. Another fail are in my opinion keyboards - in many places they sound very synthetic. I mean especially purely ambient tracks, 'cause the metal ones sounds much better. Today it's way easier to create more natural sound, so being blindly gazed in Summoning is not the best idea in this case.
Most of the tracks are not very original. It is clearly heard that Saverio, the guy responsible for this project, is still under a big influence of mentioned hordes. Well, not everyone is a genius able to create something completely fresh at the first time. I'm affraid that due to this fact Emyn Muil will land in 'for Summoning maniacs' label, and this is not completely fair. There are tracks that are really good, with no doubt (opening one, 'Path of the Doomed',  or defenitely the best song  'Death of Glaurung'). Especially great is the using of 'choirs', or battle cries (you name it) and war horns. Some of the riffs are also really fine, very heavy and catchy - a motif from 'Turin Son of Hurin' is a good example. Too bad that many times soughing production makes it impossible to hear it well. Ambient tracks can be also a great interludes - 'The Sack of Nargothrond' is a shining point of this release, made in an excellent way. On the other hand, I think that  sometimes there is too much of it. Putting three ambient composition one after another in the middle of the album wasn't really the best idea.
So in conclusion - the album is not bad, but it can be done better. I was complaining a lot, but the music really makes a very positive impression in many parts. People who love raw, epic stuff will be of course vitally interested in this material. In case of the other ones - that depends, but they can give this band a chance. Personally I have one advice for Emyn Muil: less ambient, more originality for the future. Try to make something more for your own, and maybe it will profit on the next release.

Rate: 7/10
Vladyka

P.S
If I'm not mistaken, the band will release the next album via Northern Silence Prods. You can also purchase this one in their shop.

Check out band's music:

Tracklist:

1. Turin Son of Hurin

2.Aure Entuluva

3. Arise in Gondolin

4. Mim's Betrayal

5. Dark Riots From Angband

6. Gurthang

7. Path of the Doomed

8. The Sack of Nargothrond

9. Death of Glaurung

10. Hail to the Black Sword

Total time: 52:14

Tyr - 'Valkyrja' (2013)

Tyr

'Valkyrja'

Metal Blade Recs.

2013

What is Tyr - propably everbody who likes folk metal (or even metal in general) knows. This faroese band is quite long on a scene, and 'Valkyrja' is their (let me just count...) album number seven.
I was very dissapointed by the previous longplay'The Lay of Thrym'. It had continued the more heavy-metal course that was initiated on 'By the Light of the Northern Star', but at the same time it was totally mediocre. Boredom, in one word, potentiated by the fact that Tyr plays music in very similar style on every album. So I was kinda sceptical about the new release, but happily the guys decided to record this time something with a soul. I have also a feeling that it's even more purely heavy-metal than 'By the Light...' and 'The Lay...'. Maybe it's just my imagination, but listen for example to such 'Blood of Heroes' or 'Into the Sky' - isn't it obviously inspired by Iron Maiden and other NWoBHM masters? Mostly the tracks have quite a big power - they are melodic, catchy and pugnacious so that the head after some time automatically starts to bang. Maybe the music is not very aggressive, it's calmer than two last longplays, but it has defenitely a soul.
There are also two tracks that should remind you older albums - 'Grindavísan' and 'Fánar Burtur Brandaljóð'. Sung in the national tongue of Faroe Islands, inspired by the folk music of that region. Well, as always it sounds good - those are one of my favourite songs. To be honest I prefered Tyr playing that more folk-oriented music, but I understand that they had to put some new elements into their music. So let's say that it's quite OK for me. There is also one novelty here - 'The Lay of Our Love', with guest vocals by Liv Kristine. To be honest it's just a tearful ballad, played completely in rock way. It's good that the guys at last tried to compose something different, but it doesn't make a bigger impression on me. It's not bad though, and one such song on the whole album is a nice ornament.
So as you can see - the whole album could be written in one sentence. 'Tyr recorded music in the same style again - and this time it's good". Some of the old fans will propably gruble that Tyr stands in the same point, bringing them more or less the same music as on 'By the Light...'. Others will say that this is good, just not very revolutionery. And of course there are younger/new fans, who will be very excited because everything that they need to be happy are vikings and pugnacious music. In which category you are - you'll decide. Personally for me the album is really OK, but I am not sure if it is solid enough to defend itself in the future. Time will tell.

Rate: 7+/10

Check out a video-clip for the track 'Blood of Heroes':

Tracklist:

1. Blood of Heroes

2. Mare of My Night

3. Hel Hath No Fury

4. The Lay of Our Love

5. Nation

6. Another Fallen Brother

7. Grindavísan 

8. Into The Sky

9. Fánar Burtur Brandaljóð 

10. Lady of the Slain

11. Valkyrja

12. Where Eagles Dare (Iron Maiden cover)

13. Cemetery Gates (Pantera cover)

Total time: 59:35

News from this week

From TRIPTYKON:
'Triptykon's second album, Melana Chasmata (rough translation: "black, deep depressions/valleys") will be released on April 14 (Europe) and April 15 (North America), 2014, through Century Media Records/Prowling Death Records Ltd.

Like its predecessor Eparistera Daimones, the album was produced by Triptykon's singer/guitarist Tom Gabriel Warrior and guitarist V. Santura and recorded and mixed at V. Santura's own Woodshed Studio in southern Germany as well as at Triptykon's rehearsal facilities in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2013 and 2014. Those who have already heard Melana Chasmata have described it as "atmospheric, dark, diabolical, and dramatic", "diverse, epic, and doomy, but on an entirely different level", "a fierce boulder of abhorrence", or "very heavy and yet very aesthetic at the same time".
 
Melana Chasmata will feature nine songs, at a playing time of around 67 minutes.'

Check out band's music here.

---

From DORNENREICH:
'Dearest friends and companions,

We are approaching the finishing touches on the visual side of "Freiheit" (Freedom), Dornenreich's eighth studio album which will be entrusted to you this spring – in the 18th year of our band history.

Soon we will present first samples!

As the cover art suggests, "Freiheit" is an album of thresholds, of transitions, of transformations; an album that makes a bold move towards the whole range of human emotion, thought, and being. This album is dedicated to the depth, diversity, and elemental beauty of being.
In my own personal view, "Freiheit" is an album of a great, encompassing power that unfolds itself as a whole and that makes me grateful and free as an artist and as a human being. Many things come full circle on this very album.

At the same time, "Freiheit" feels like a parting right now.
And as much as I feel that we will never stop to create artistically, and as much as it may be possible that this album will be seen as just a departure from a certain artistic evaluation or orientation, there are a lot of indications at this moment that "Freiheit" is going to be Dornenreich's last studio album for quite some time.

Dornenreich, as I have stressed time and again, is obliged to life. And I am convinced that our expression, in its musical and lyrical essence, is timeless and develops its emotional urgency especially within a live context – thus, we will return to the stages for very special performances in the next years.

So this is by no means an absolute farewell. It is merely the end of a long journey, a homecoming, a discovery - that one day may be the starting point of another journey, another transformation ... life will tell.

And now join us in anticipation of this year, of this eighth Dornenreich album which is so valuable to us, and of the spring tour when we all shall meet again!

With gratitude, love, and respect

Eviga'

---

French Celtic medieval band Stille Volk from Pyrénées has announced the release of its sixth full-length studio album “La Pèira Negra“. The new album will be out in May 2014 by Holly Records, 20 (!) years after the band’s birth and 5 years after their previous work “Nueit de Sabbat“. “La Pèira Negra” will have 9 songs, including a cover on Mercyful Fate’s “Come to the Sabbath“. Several guest musicians participated (Barbarian Pipe Band, Gae Bolg and Didier Bignalet) that have provided exemplary work to make this new album a real orgy-mineral, exploring all the intricacies of pagan and primal music: epic, tortured melodic declamation, hypnotic, powerful mystic… Stille Volk have revealed the album tracklist and a video teaser that you can watch here.

---

German acoustic dark folk band NEBELUNG has announced the release of its second full-length album “Palingenesis” via Temple of Torturous. The album will be released in 3 different editions: CD in a 3-panel digifile with hot-foil embossing, double black LP in a Gatefold sleeve with printed inner sleeves, limited to 400 copies and double clear LP limited to 100 copies. CD edition will be out on February 18th and both vinyl editions on March 18th, 2014. The band has already revealed the cover artwork by Sphæra Satvrni Art, the album tracklist and the official video for the song “Mittwinter” that you can watch below.

Derived from the Greek words for ‘birth’ (genesis) and ‘again’ (palin), the term Palingenesis refers to a variety of concepts of rebirth and recreation, ranging from the stoic idea of the continuing recreation of the cosmos, the christian belief in spiritual regeneration through baptism, or the originally Pythagorean concept of the souls’ transmigration into a new body. Nebelung take up the energy behind these concepts, using them as archetypal images for mans’ eternal strive for spiritual perfection in a meditation on death and decay, transformation and renewal.

More than two years on the making, the release of “Palingenesis” defines a new era for Nebelung. Where it's predecessors had been singing the hymn of autumn and night by the means of simply structured melancholic folk songs, “Palingenesis” takes on a different approach, transcending the boundaries of lyrics and song, sparing light and reason, and letting the music take on a direct and unaltered way to the depths of the subconscious. “Palingenesis” is a deep and transforming listen, with tracks built up like Mantras, tucking the listener into a dense and detailed tapestry of subtly woven, intertwining melodies and drones, rich in detail and structure, and incorporating such a variety of acoustic instruments as both classical and steel stringed guitars, cello, accordion, Indian harmonium, hammered dulcimer, glass harp, percussion and voice.

Check out band's music here.

---

Since now you can order a split of RAUS! and PERUNWIT, entitled 'Under the Sign of The Black Sun'. Raus! is a new project of Shadow from Black Altar, while Perunwit is one of the oldest pagan metal hordes in Poland. The album was released via Odium Recs.

Watch a promo video here: