And on to the next one! Today I want to recommend the best newcomers that I found last year! This Croatian Folk Metal band has managed to make a really cool album. When I first got this album I listened to it three times in a row without break, which is quite rare these days! I really like this mixture of Black and folk instruments with some enchanting female vocals to top it off. It starts from the first song all ready, which has a very melodic intro with chants etc, and then comes the break with a Black Metal scream and the guitars and drums kicks in - and this perfect mix just continues through the entire album.

I love the fact that they're using Slavic mythology as a theme and leaving the Vikings alone. Nothing wrong about Viking, the opposite - I love Vikings! But it's getting a bit dull when everyone and their grandmother are singing about Vikings. Also I think that you'll be able to create a much stronger bond, more passion if you go with something from your own history - like your pride will kind of shine through the music. Like with Stribog. I mean, I don't understand half the lyrics (since they're in Croatian) but I can feel that they're proud of what they do.

As for the music itself it's perhaps not very original, it basically just have all the elements you expect from a Folk Metal band these days. Strong melodies, folky instruments (flutes in this case), female vocals and growls and keyboards. But it's how they put it all together that makes this album shine. The flow of the album, and how natural it all fits together. And then there's a strong influence from Bathory in some of the instrumental parts. Which is always welcome in my book!

And I also have to write a line about the cover. Absolutely love it! It's one of those covers that really reflect the album. You look at it and you can kind of imagine what it'll sound like.

I think that the only downside of this album is it's length. It's way too short! Only 30 minutes, when I want much more of this stuff! But with a bit of luck they'll put out a new album soon enough!

http://www.myspace.com/stribogslava

Since this album might be a bit hard to find I'll include a link to their label:
Murderous Productions - Order the album here!




Tracklist:
1. Ancestral Skies Of Gold
2. Morana
3. Rusalka
4. Follow The Silver Path
5. Pred Morem Olujnim
6. Remember With Pride
7. Okovi Vjecnosti