by Chris Wheeler | Août 16, 2013 | Critiques d'Albums
Nordheim
« Refill »
Maple Metal Records
2013
Pendant que les entités déjà établies de Folk Métal comme Finntroll, Ensiferum, Alestorm et Korpiklaani ravagent le continent européen, le Canada a aussi récemment vu sa part de destruction. Aeternam, Battle Soul et Elden Sky ont gardé le style bel et bien en vie de l’autre côté de l’océan! Nordheim, une formation du Québec, a récemment gardée le tison bien allumé avec leur dernier album, « Refill », et sera très certainement un must pour les fans de métal aux festivals en plein air!
Fonçant tête première avec bravoure et énergie, l’album explose en grande avec « Ov Frost and Ice », livrant un riff d’ouverture mémorable et désinvolte qui rappelle la rythmique de Alestorm et/ou Korpiklaani. Les chants de chorale augmente la sensation « viking » qui englobe la musique, tout en maintenant un tempo rapide. Cependant, le dialogue initial entendu en tout début d’album ne fait rien pour donner une impression tough et aurait pu être laissé de côté. Nordheim utilise aussi des mélodies de guitare efficaces qui ne sont jamais redondantes et viennent améliorer la composition au lieu de lui nuire.
Les riffs mémorables abondent surtout sur « Get Drunk or Die Tryin » et « Under A Crying Storm », donnant même une sonorité épique et entraînante que beaucoup de fans de métal sauront sans aucun doute profiter, particulièrement accompagné de quelques pintes de bières avec des amis! Il faut comprendre que « Refill » n’est en aucune façon un album « menaçant » et il n’est pas particulièrement lourd. C’est cependant un disque très bien produit qui fait appel à l’imagination de l’auditeur, tout en offrant un bon moment musical pour ceux qui aiment leur musique entraînante.
Ils ont même eu la collaboration de membres de Trollfest, un band norvégien de Balkan Metal, pour des back vocals, tout comme l’ont aussi fait deux membres de Mass Murder Messiah. La présence de ces derniers a été rendu facile grâce au producteur, Jeff Fortin, guitariste de MMM, derrière la console pour la réalisation de cet opus.
Quelques chansons nous amène aussi dans des rythmiques plus lentes, comme « Watch the Raven Die » et « As Shadows Pass By », présentant un changement de vitesse qui est bienvenue, sans jamais perdre cette atmosphère épique. Encore une fois les chants de chorale mettent l’accent sur ce point.
Bien sûr, il existe de nombreux groupes qui se sont étiquettés Folk Metal, mais peu le font d’une manière unique comme Nordheim le fait sur « Refill ». Ne se prennant pas trop au sérieux, ce quintette du Québec ne serait pas une mauvaise idée sur une tournée de Blackguard ou Unexpect.
Tracks à retenir: « Ov Frost and Ice », « Under A Crying Storm », « As Shadows Pass By « .
8/10
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As Folk Metal luminaries Finntroll, Ensiferum, Alestorm and Korpiklaani ravage the European landscape, Canada has recently seen its share of plundering as well in that sometimes underrated genre. Aeternam, Battle Soul and Elden Sky have kept the genre alive and well across the open sea! Quebec’s Nordheim have also recently kept the ember’s burning with their latest album, “Refill”, and will most certainly be a fan favorite at Metal open air festivals!
Charging ahead with energy and bravado, “Refill” explodes in grand form with “Ov Frost and Ice”, delivering a memorable opening riff and jaunty rhythm reminiscent of Alestorm and/or Korpiklaani. Choral vocals enhance the “viking” feel underlying the music while sustaining an upbeat tempo. However, the initial quirky dialogue does nothing to provide a “tough” impression and could be left on the cutting room floor.
Nordheim uses guitar melodies efficiently, never overstaying a song’s welcome, but keeps them short and sweet. Memorable riffs abound especially on, “Get Drunk or Die Tryin’” and “Under a Crying Storm” which provide an epic, rousing quality that many a Metal fan will no doubt enjoy over a few pints with friends! It must be understood that “Refill” is in no way a “menacing” album nor is it particularly heavy. What it is, however, is a very well produced record that appeals to the imagination of the listener, all the while providing a good time!
They even included back vocals from Trollfest, a Norwegian Balkan Metal band, but also from two members of Mass Murder Messiah, a feat that was made easy considering Jeff Fortin was the producer of the album.
Few songs dabble in slower patterns, although, “Watch the Raven Die” and “As Shadows Pass By” lend themselves to a welcomed change of pace and convey a sense of epic grandeur. Plodding away, these cuts also include fantastic choral vocals that emphasize the point. Sure, there are numerous bands that have reserved themselves to the “Folk Metal” bandwagon, but few do it in such a unique way as Nordheim seem to do on “Refill”. Not taking themselves too seriously, this Quebec five-piece would not be a bad fit on a tour with Blackguard or Unexpect. Standout Tracks: “Ov Frost and Ice, “Under a Crying Storm”, “As Shadows Pass By”
8/10
by Chris Wheeler | Août 9, 2013 | Critiques d'Albums
Cerekloth
« In the Midst of Life We are in Death »
Hells Headbangers Records
2013
Denmark isn’t exactly the first country one thinks of when it comes to « head of the pack » extreme Metal exports, but there have been a handful of bands that have left an indelible mark on the scene. Hatesphere, Konkhra, and Illdisposed all garner reputations for releasing quality albums (ex. Konkhra’s « Spit or Swallow », anyone?). This year marks the release of Cerekloth’s first full length, « In the Midst of Life We are in Death ». Produced by Konkhra vocalist/guitarist, Anders Lundemark, the album is overflowing with crunchy riff after crunchy riff and brandishes them potential leaders of the Danish scene. Too bad the band are currently on « hold », according to Metal-Archives.com.
« In the Midst… » is an album that is bookended by an intro., « Praeludium » and closing number, « The Reapers Instant is Our Eternity », that showcase essentially what the album, as a whole, offers; slow, simple Death Metal with hooks galore! « Born of the Void » continues in the same vein with a sluggish stomp before accelerating to mid-paced fever. Not overly technical by any means, Cerekloth bask in the denseness and weight of « False », era Gorefest and Illdisposed, particularly on « Within the Hollow Crown ». Here, Cerekloth break midway for a bass drum beat accompanied by the main riff that will guarantee a sea of fist pumping when performed live. Definite highlight, « When Outcast Become Kings » should also go over amazingly well live for the same reason.
No slouches when it comes to song writing, Cerekloth do an excellent job of maintaining the status quo for this style of metal. But is it enough? Essentially « In the Midst… » churns out lumbering songs that get heads banging but offer nothing really new. For the opening sequence, one gets the idea of where Celekloth come from and where they wish to go. There’s nothing wrong with that, but for fans looking for a band that push the envelope or contribute something unique, they might want to look elsewhere. For others who like their metal like they enjoy their « meat and potatoes », this is a solid listen!
Standout Tracks: « Within the Hollow Crown », « Halo of Syringes », « When Outcast Become Kings ».
7.5/10
by Chris Wheeler | Août 6, 2013 | Critiques de Shows
Night overtook day as legions of black-clothed metalheads marched, ever-determined into Theatre Plaza, Saturday night to witness an evening of hypnotic Black Metal majesty and left having witnessed a truly memorable experience!Lights dimmed as Crépuscule mounted the stage on time, half-masked in handkerchiefs, and playing long, emotional, atmospheric odes to darkness. Much of the song arrangements consisted of instrumental and trancelike, black metal vigor until drummer Bardunor released inhuman growled vocals and screams; very effective in encapsulating the intended mood! Many of the songs, such as « Vie » and « Les Yeux Pleins de Boue », swung from a slow, mesmerizing pace to high speed intensity. The bassist ran the gauntlet playing different bass lines (albeit slightly minimalistic) and meshing well against a backdrop of manic guitar patterns. Leaving the candle lit stage after a rousing performance of « Mort », the crowd were left hungry for more. Clearly, Crépuscule set the bar high!
Thantifaxath hit the stage next donning hooded robes and played a set of no nonsense black metal. Heavy and brutal, these « demonic monks » wasted no time in letting the crowd know who they were and what their intent was – to destroy! Holding the audience’s attention, Thantifaxath pummeled through song after song with a very « mechanical delivery ». Although the performance was tight, their stage presence could have used a bit of movement. Static for most, if not the entire set, the three-piece did show signs of musical variety on some numbers as songs slowed to a threatening crawl allowing for the momentum to build once more. Lapping it up, the audience certainly happy with the performance, Thantifaxath left the stage exhausted, HOT (no thanks to their robes) and triumphant!
Quebec local heroes, Chasse-Galerie stepped into the lime light with great exuberance, maintaining the night’s darkened aura! Seasoned performers, the group instilled headbanging bliss in the audience and appeared to have more energy to spare than Thantifaxath before them. Extremely catchy songs of blackened death showcased their knack for blending rhythmic speed and melodic twists which succeeded in moving the audience. Clearly adept at live performances, vocalist Blanc Feu, howled his way through songs with finesse and confidence while tearing through blistering guitar solos that could have been slightly higher in the mix, at least mid-way through the set. However, somehow they become clear during their last song as Blanc Feu’s solo mesmerizes, proving why Chasse Galerie are so important to Quebec’s Metal culture.
As the lights dimmed for the fourth time this evening, Sombres Forêts took to the stage in dark, neutral looking, ominous masks. Annatar, the sole member and multi-instrumentalist, embraced the darkness with a chilling cello intro., marking what would be a truly unique experience. Aided by four other session musicians, the group garnered themselves the biggest crowd response yet! Emotional, anguished playing,
Sombres Forêts demanded patience from the listener, ever conscious of the power of music! Song ideas and arrangements can only be described as « movements » in a symphony. Never stopping for a breath, Sombres Forêts performed the entire set without any breaks, playing from song to song and transitioning seamlessly between mid-paced, blackened showgaze to outright frenetic chaos. Annatar also impressed with his ability to jump from cello to guitar to keyboard piano, all with such flawless confidence. Completely enthralled by the experience, the crowd remained utterly silent as Annatar tuned his guitar towards the set’s finale – you could hear a pin drop! A truly mesmerizing set, Sombres Forêts on record does not do them justice. Seeing them live is not just a « gig », not just a « show » but a ceremony, a ritual, an observation of the sublime….
by Chris Wheeler | Août 4, 2013 | Critiques d'Albums
Summoning
« Old Mornings Dawn »
Napalm Records
2013
There are some bands who continue to please their loyal fans with consistent albums, never giving in to commercial pressures or preaching a « more mature » direction. Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, Belphegor and many others are just such examples. Refusing to change the status quo and continuously developing a sound and style that put them in the spotlight to begin with are what makes these artists great! Austria’s, J.R.R. Tolkien inspired, Summoning are just such a band as well!
Some may argue that after a seven year absence, the duo of Protector and Silenius COULD have returned with an album that changes their spots. Sure, they haven’t reinvented the « Summoning wheel », but what « Old Mornings Dawn » does do is build upon a formula that works. Since their inception in 1993, Summoning have left listeners breathless!
Intro, « Evernight », propels the album forward with a take on Carmina Burana‘s majestic sound and dramatic flare, while « Flammifer » continues this theme alongside raw guitars and raspy vocals. What sets Summoning apart from the herd, is their unique blend of melodic Black Metal and medieval, ballad-like instrumentation. Each song is an epic, slow marching build up of simple melodic layers against a backdrop of steady guitars and tribal, militaristic drums.
Since there are merely two members, drum machines and programming help to convey a sense of majesty as samples of tambourine, flutes and trumpets cascade over songs like a slow moving tsunami. Title track « Old Mornings Dawn » exemplifies this as simple note by note instrumentation explodes into epic grandeur, characterized by strong, majestic choirs and ends with a spectacular wall of noise.
Since their « Upon the Viking Stallion » demo (1993), Summoning have taken the template of Tolkien’s Middle-Earth and created the soundtrack for his lush landscapes, chaotic battles and unique peoples. Here, the same holds true. « The Wandering Fire » uses beautiful sampled flutes and trumpets to lasting effect in conveying the lush expansiveness of Tolkien landscapes along with poetic lyrics. « Earthshine » lyrically depicts a mother’s saddened farewell to her son as he leaves for battle, always searching for his passing « light » to guide her way following his death.
Sure, after album « Oath Bound » in 2006, Summoning had taken a hiatus only to return even stronger as songs stand on their own in regal beauty. Drenched in Tolkien lore and majestic in its instrumentation, « Old Mornings Dawn » will no doubt inspire many to pick up « The Silmarillion » or « The Lord of the Rings » maybe for a second or third time to let their imaginations carry them away!
Standout Tracks: « Old Mornings Dawn », « Caradhras », « The Wandering Fire »
9/10
