The Pitch: Acclaimed Swiss folk metal band Eluveite put the epic back into folk metal with their 8th album via Nuclear Blast. FFO: Ensiferum, Amon Amarth, Finntroll
What I Like: FINALLY... some noteworthy folk metal to review. It's been long enough that I honestly can't remember the last album I covered in this genre. As discussed in my interview with Sami Hinkaa of Ensiferum, this genre's bubble kind of burst in recent years leading to a bit of a downturn, but Eluveitie are back to change all of that. Note also that I am very much taking this album from the perspective of someone relatively new to the band, so keep that in mind. I'm not entirely sure why I've largely ignored them for over a decade, but count me as a new fan.
This is another one of those albums that has a little something for everyone. As usual, you get the grand, atmospheric folk instrumentation that seems to stretch on into a forever of lush plains and forests; an aspect that is further complimented by powerful, symphonic female vocals and vast production. This takes the band plenty far all on its own, but for those like me wanting something on the heavier side, Ategnatos is a surprisingly guitar driven album. The riffs contained within rival any melodic death metal album, and when joined with the death growls of founding member Chrigel Glanzmann the energy is palpable. There's even a few solos amidst the catchy sing-alongs as on "Black Water Dawn."
Critiques: If you ask me, the album is too long. It's starts losing steam after "Mine Is The Fury" with too many ballads and several tracks that are perfectly fine but feel like filler in comparison to what comes before. Admittedly, "Eclipse" is a stunning closer.
The Verdict: I had no idea how much I was hankering for a good flute solo until I pressed play on "A Cry In The Wilderness." Folk metal is a genre that gives so much pleasure, and I'm so happy to finally have a new album to spend some time with. It's not perfect, but it's damn good. I did end up backtracking to previous outings from the band, but honestly I am enjoying Ategnatos more than anything else I've come across.
Flight's Fav's: Ategnatos, The Raven Hill, Mine Is The Fury
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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