Eluveitie Spirit
Fear Dark Records FD023 2006
By Jason Jordan
For some unknown reason, Switzerlands Eluveitie are ostensibly overlooked by even seasoned folk metal enthusiasts, and judging by the excellence of Spirit, thats incredibly unfortunate. Similar to their previous outing Ven this Swiss outfit still hold more members in their ranks than the Imperial Japanese Army and still utilize more instruments than a full orchestra. Aside from the novelty of the above facts, however, the groups songwriting chops are well-developed and expertly wielded as Spirit features many a captivating metal tune, which is then further enhanced by the Celtic/folk/pagan/heathen vibes that permeate the whole record.
Eluveitie have nine members, and besides the usual instruments, also incorporate Irish flute, tin & low whistles, gaita, hurdy-gurdy, bass-shalm, crummhorn, zugerorgeli (helvetic accordion), fiddles, mandola, uilleann pipes, Shepard pipe, and acoustic guitars. So as one can imagine, the sound is often dense and rich. Luckily, though, Spirit is never too busy, never too crowded, and never suffers from instrumental overload. While Spirit and Uis Elveti are energetic, the real treat comes in the form of the fast, melody-driven Your Gaulish War, which could reasonably be labeled the finest song on the album. I get an unshakable feeling that several influential Swedish bands Dark Tranquillity, Amon Amarth, et cetera had a direct effect on the aforementioneds sound and structure. All the other tracks are keepers, too, even the Gladiator-esque Aidu. Dont miss the BM-like The Song of Life, emotional thriller The Dance of Victory, and tasteful The Endless Knot.
Fanatics of Moonsorrow, Finntroll, and Prophecy Productions (Empyrium, Nucleus Torn, Tenhi, Todesbonden) and their sublabel Auerbach Tonträger (Neun Welten) would be wise to check out Eluveitie especially Spirit since the 50-minute long-player offers much of what folk metal aficionados look for in a release. The occasional ethnic likenesses to traditional Celtic, Irish, and Scottish music conjured via certain instruments, naturally are priceless as well.
Official Eluveitie Website
Official Fear Dark Records Website
Fear Dark Records FD023 2006
By Jason Jordan
For some unknown reason, Switzerlands Eluveitie are ostensibly overlooked by even seasoned folk metal enthusiasts, and judging by the excellence of Spirit, thats incredibly unfortunate. Similar to their previous outing Ven this Swiss outfit still hold more members in their ranks than the Imperial Japanese Army and still utilize more instruments than a full orchestra. Aside from the novelty of the above facts, however, the groups songwriting chops are well-developed and expertly wielded as Spirit features many a captivating metal tune, which is then further enhanced by the Celtic/folk/pagan/heathen vibes that permeate the whole record.
Eluveitie have nine members, and besides the usual instruments, also incorporate Irish flute, tin & low whistles, gaita, hurdy-gurdy, bass-shalm, crummhorn, zugerorgeli (helvetic accordion), fiddles, mandola, uilleann pipes, Shepard pipe, and acoustic guitars. So as one can imagine, the sound is often dense and rich. Luckily, though, Spirit is never too busy, never too crowded, and never suffers from instrumental overload. While Spirit and Uis Elveti are energetic, the real treat comes in the form of the fast, melody-driven Your Gaulish War, which could reasonably be labeled the finest song on the album. I get an unshakable feeling that several influential Swedish bands Dark Tranquillity, Amon Amarth, et cetera had a direct effect on the aforementioneds sound and structure. All the other tracks are keepers, too, even the Gladiator-esque Aidu. Dont miss the BM-like The Song of Life, emotional thriller The Dance of Victory, and tasteful The Endless Knot.
Fanatics of Moonsorrow, Finntroll, and Prophecy Productions (Empyrium, Nucleus Torn, Tenhi, Todesbonden) and their sublabel Auerbach Tonträger (Neun Welten) would be wise to check out Eluveitie especially Spirit since the 50-minute long-player offers much of what folk metal aficionados look for in a release. The occasional ethnic likenesses to traditional Celtic, Irish, and Scottish music conjured via certain instruments, naturally are priceless as well.
Official Eluveitie Website
Official Fear Dark Records Website
