An acquaintance of mine (also in Sköll) asked me if I’d be kind enough to have a listen to his other band’s (Accursed Years) single
Kalmah – Palo
With hard hitting riffs and folky melodies, this is certainly a contender for my album of the year!
Kamelot – The Shadow Theory
I really, really want to like this album. I really do. I’ve heard great things about Kamelot and on paper they sound like exactly my kind of band, but this albun really didn’t meet my expectations. I can tell the music itself is really well written and thought out, but at times it almost seems like it’s too well thought out at times.
Borealis – The Offering
If you enjoy punchy power metal with heavy drums and symphonic elements, The Offering is an album you need in your collection. It will definitely be joining mine.
Adavant – The Unyielding
This album is a great mix of power, folk and symphonic metal, with heavy Ensiferum influences. If you enjoy these genres, Adavant is a band you definitely want to be keeping track of in the future!
Auri – Auri
If you love the folk melodies in metal, this is a pure, stripped down version and it is every bit as beautiful you would expect.
North Hammer – Stormcaller
Overall it’s a great folk metal album, and if you like your folk metal on the heavier side it’s definitely an album you need to check out, and North Hammer is definitely a band you need to keep your eye on!
Hiidenhauta – 1695
This album really makes you feel the struggle and hardships of the Finnish people. When you don’t speak the language the lyrics are written in, the power of the music and expression in the voice becomes even more important, and this album really captures the concept of the entire album.
GIG REVIEW: Grimner plus Support at The Angel Microbrewery, Nottingham
On a cold March evening in Nottingham, as the snow began to fall, a small group of metalheads gathered in the upstairs chapel of a brewery and pub, waiting for a folk metal party to warm their souls. The legions of YYLVA, Atorc, Isarnos and Grimner gathered, and the lights went down.
Iahsari – Shrine of the Ancient Gods
If you like your tracks with long instrumentals, then this is definitely an album you want to be checking out, and a band you want to be keeping an eye on in the future.
Power Quest – Sixth Dimension
It’s the right amount of complex, where you can still headbang, have a singalong and have a good time. I hope after their long break, they’re back for good!
Arkona – Khram
This album keeps you on edge, you don’t know what to expect, but it all fits together.
Thaurorod – Coast of Gold
If you like your power metal cheesy, fast and great, this album is something you need to expose your ear drums to.
Jörmungand – Zwischenwelten
A beautiful black metal concept album with elements of melodic, symphonic and folk metal. Thank you to the guys in Jörmungand for letting me have a listen to this pre-release!
Visigoth – Conqueror’s Oath
Old school heavy metal mixed with modern power metal.
HRH Metal at the O2 Academy, Birmingham
A briliant weekend full of brilliant bands.
Northern Extremity Jorvik Viking Festival Special feat. Sköll, Valafar, Sellsword, Isarnos
A fantastic live show worthy of Valhalla!
Battle Tales – The Ire of the Condemned
A great debut from Swiss folk metal band Battle Tales. Definitely a band to keep an eye on in the future!
Grimner – Vanadrottning
I would highly recommend this album to anyone that has an even passing interest in folk metal. I am a little mad at myself for not finding out about this band earlier, as they are fast becoming one of my favourite bands of the genre!
Dalriada – Nyárutó
Brilliant folk metal from Hungary with an Eastern European influence.
Ostara Metal 