The Pitch: Conceptual epic folk and melodic death metal album from Greek solo project Divine Element via I Voidhanger and with the help of Hannes Grossman (Alkaloid, Blotted Science, Ex-Obscura, Ex-Necrophagist). "The album chronicles the passage of a soldier through various levels of consciousness about the reality of war, human society and the fabric of the cosmos itself, as the gritty and daring warriors of his nation, Borsu, fight to regain their ancestral homeland from a much more powerful enemy." FFO Rotting Christ, Amon Amarth, Hordak
What I Like: I love me some viking/medieval folk metal, and it feels as if it has been some time since a really solid album in that vein crossed my path. Personally, I really disliked Amon Amarth's last album and while I found Equilibrium's latest outing enjoyable, it didn't scratch the same itch as Thaurachs Of Borsu. This album has all of the energy and intensity that made those bands popular to begin with, and the results are powerful. I listen to these tracks and find myself disapointed that I don't have a sword to raise up in the air. This style has always been about the riffs, and sole member, Ayloss, does not dissappoint in this respect. There are wonderful racing, melodeath war marches, folky, classical leads, and also some more somber moments as with "Beyond This Sea." We even get some orchestral moments featuring horns and other wind instruments in addition to a broadened percussion section and synth soundscapes. On top of this, the death vocals are incredibly strong; striking a balance somewhere between Rotting Christ and Be'lakor. Hannes' production is predictably strong, offering a very open-air feel as if this was recorded on a windswept moor.
What I Don't Like: There's not much hear that I haven't heard many times before. I could also do without the spoken word narration that pops up here and there. It's not overbearing, but I do find it distracting from my headbanging experience.
The Verdict: A very enjoyable call to arms that should get your fist pumping and elevate your thirst for larping. Check out the full album this Friday and know that Ayloss has planned a novel of the story for announcement soon after.
Flight's Fav's: Thaurachs Of Borsu, On The Trail Of Betrayal, Call Of The Blade