Just shy of a 9. I really wanted to give these guys that extra point, but I tend to reserve those 9's and 10's for albums with that extra kick of innovation. In terms of folk metal albums in the mode of melodic death metal though? This is nearly a 10. Hot on the heels of other American peers like Wilderun, Cinncinati, OH band Winterhymn are here to bring the sword and shield to battle with the best of them. The 6 peice band includes full time violin and keys in addition to the standard vocal/guitars/drums package...and they know how to use all of them.
I'll bring back the Wilderun reference once more not just because of the proximity, but also the similarities in sound. Both bands favor epic arrangements that utilize very theatrical clean vocals and a more somber aesthetic. There is plenty in common on some of these guitar parts to Ensiferum, but the end result feels less campy (no disrespect from this fan). The approach to violin and some of the melodies also leans more towards a Celtic vibe than anything else. In any case, Blood & Shadow is a lush, immersive experience that takes the listener to windswept hills on horseback.
So many great songs. With the limited space left on my phone for travel listening, I often have to whittle down to 3-4 favorite tracks to keep with me as I listen to an album a few times. That experience is agonizing for an album so consistently strong. Right out of the gate they won me over with "Blood of the Moon," but it only gets better from there. I could start naming tracks, but I'd just end up listing all of them. I will say that my top 3 are in the latter half. "Silenced by the Northern Winds" mixes a little bit of an Immortal riff with some great punctuation from the drums and playful string compliment. "Blood Burner" is a rager that matches speed with catchiness. Great sing-along moments and hooks on this one. And then there's "The Chosen End" which was well "chosen" to close out this nearly flawless album: "There's blood on the ice and there's ice in our veins!"
There have been a few albums I've enjoyed in 2016 from this particular style, but I think Winterhymn may have jumped to the top of the pack. A few seconds was all it took to grab my interest, and in the dozens of listens since I have yet to become even remotely bored with it. These compositions are gorgeous, but also thrilling. I can almost taste the crisp mountain air. Pretty impressive for a band from the flat state of Ohio. If you are a fan of mixed vocals, rockin' melodeath riffs, and some of the best violin I have heard this year; you need to pick this one up for sure.