black metal / viking metal
|
Support Merchants Of Air Check out our THISISNOTABANDSHIRT collection
|
It's been a while since I listened to some decent folk/pagan/viking metal. Usually when I read those tags I think of bands like Amon Amarth and I don't really like them. Don't ask me why. Luckily for me, Forefather is not an Amon Amarth clone although there are some clear viking metal influences present. Knowing a little something about the history of their homeland, England, that shouldn't be much of a surprise.
In fact, what this album reminds me most of, is Belgian black metal horde Ancient Rites, mainly during their folk-era. Combining black metal with heroic and epic passages; Forefather came up with something highly versatile and powerful. Besides the typical black metal elements, such as screams, fierce guitars and blast beats, there is plenty of room of clean vocals, melodic passages and keyboards.
For some reason, this band manages to surprise the listener several times. While opener 'The Fighting Man' is an immediate blast of black metal, the folk influences start showing up soon, highlighting in the marching anthem 'The Call To Arms'. This is quite an odd piece of music, one that will probably cause a drinking frenzy at festivals. 'For These Shores' might easily become a fan favorite on those festivals too by the way.
The only comment I can give is that perhaps the clean passages on this album are a bit too nice and friendly. The music rocks but the vocals are a bit goody-goody. With a bit more power on the voice, 'Out Of Darkness' could be a massive metal track and possibly a highlight in this genre. Although, I must say, the music is quite immersive and horned fist-raising. So are most of the songs, which definitely makes this a welcome addition to any folk metal collection. So yes, if you're a fan of this kind of music, you should check this out...
​Serge
In fact, what this album reminds me most of, is Belgian black metal horde Ancient Rites, mainly during their folk-era. Combining black metal with heroic and epic passages; Forefather came up with something highly versatile and powerful. Besides the typical black metal elements, such as screams, fierce guitars and blast beats, there is plenty of room of clean vocals, melodic passages and keyboards.
For some reason, this band manages to surprise the listener several times. While opener 'The Fighting Man' is an immediate blast of black metal, the folk influences start showing up soon, highlighting in the marching anthem 'The Call To Arms'. This is quite an odd piece of music, one that will probably cause a drinking frenzy at festivals. 'For These Shores' might easily become a fan favorite on those festivals too by the way.
The only comment I can give is that perhaps the clean passages on this album are a bit too nice and friendly. The music rocks but the vocals are a bit goody-goody. With a bit more power on the voice, 'Out Of Darkness' could be a massive metal track and possibly a highlight in this genre. Although, I must say, the music is quite immersive and horned fist-raising. So are most of the songs, which definitely makes this a welcome addition to any folk metal collection. So yes, if you're a fan of this kind of music, you should check this out...
​Serge