Encorion
Our Pagan Hearts Reborn ()
Wydane przez Sleaszy Rider RecordsRok wydania 2013Kraj HollandNapisał Wouter7
Generally speaking I have a very low tolerance for contemporary folk metal. Not because I hate the genre, far from it. I hate it mostly because what is released in the underground in this genre is uniformly terrible. I like cheese just as much as the next guy. Hell, I even enjoyed Kivimetsan Druidi when I catched them live a couple of years ago. There’s more to this genre than thinly veiled drinking songs. The fact of the matter is that for every Arbrynth or Ironwood there are at least a dozen Folkodia’s or Folkearth’s. One thing you learn pretty quickly in being critic is that there’s always somebody worse. Thought Sleipnir was awful, then listen to Llvme. You thought Krigivar was awful? Then I dare you to listen to Myrkvar. The Netherlands has never really had a shortage of interesting folk metal bands. Thronar did it all earlier than everyone else. Heidevolk are pretty much the face of this subgenre in terms of international visibility for the Dutch market. It’s a good thing many bands in this genre have decided to go heavier and more brutal again. The prominent violin and flute playing is integrated seamlessly and where many other bands would fall victim to polka rhythms and writing drinking songs, both are actually used in an intelligent, more authentic manner. Sure, both instruments are par for course in this genre, but Encorion use them to create a heroic and often incessantly dark atmosphere. Another notable thing is the bass-heaviness of the production. At long last the bass guitar can be heard again in metal productions, and that should be applauded. There was also a promotional video shot for the track ‘Spirit, We Are One’. Encorion is a promising addition to the scene, hopefully they are able to cultivate their sound and grow within the perimeters of their chosen genre.
www.sleaszyrider.com
