Vinlander

A.E. Waite-The Turba Philosophorum (1896)

Known unto the Wise as "The Crowd of Philosophers", this twelfth century treatise records the meeting of the "Hermetic Association for the Advancement of Alchemy", and gives voice to the alchemical wisdom of several centuries. From Pythagoras to the Thrice-Greatest Hermes, the adepts converse on the keys of the Royal Art and the nature of the Magnum Opus, in their pursuit of the Philosopher's Stone.

228 pages

Walknut-Graveforests and Their Shadows (2007)

Absolutely stunning debut album from Walknut, which features elites from the Russian and Ukrainian scenes (members of Nitberg, Forest, and Temnozor). This album is a somewhat depressive, yet vicious, hateful, pagan-fueled black metal attack. Awesome riff after awesome riff, anguished vocals, and absolutely wonderful songsmanship. Highly recommended, especially for fans of Drudkh, Branikald, Forest, and even Astrofaes and Hate Forest. Stellar Winter Records.

1. Hrimfaxi 1:10

2. Motherland Ostenvegr 10:32

3. Come, Dreadful Ygg 10:55

4. The Midnightforest of the Runes 4:30

5. Grim Woods 11:44

6. Skinfaxi 4:01

Total Running: 42:52

Russia

Vintersorg-Ödemarkens Son (1999)

I cannot say enough good things about this release. One of my favorite albums to bear the Vintersorg seal of approval, this album is full of gorgeous folk melodies, solid, well-constructed riffs, and of course, Vintersorg's amazing voice. You owe it to yourself to get this album. HIGHLY recommended. Napalm Records.

1. När Alver Sina Runor Sjungit 4:47

2. Svältvinter 4:36

3. Under Norrskenets Fallande Ljusspel 3:54

4. Månskensmän 5:46

5. Ödemarkens Son 5:17

6. Trollbunden 2:44

7. Offerbäcken 4:29

8. I Den trolska Dalens Hjärta 5:55

9. På Landet 6:35

Total Running: 44:03

Sweden

Vintersorg-Till Fjälls (1998)

Debut full-length from one of giants of the folk/metal scene, Vintersorg. It seems like most anything he involves himself in, it turns into something wonderful, and that is already evident in this early release. Folk melodies, Vintersorg's rich, operatic voice, black metal elements, all come together to create a unique and wonderful listening experience. Highly recommended! Napalm Records.

1. Rundans 1:30

2. För Kung och Fosterland 3:47

3. Vildmarkens Förtrollande Stämmor 4:09

4. Till Fjälls 6:42

5. Urberget, Äldst av Troner 5:03

6. Hednad i Ulvermånens Tecken 2:23

7. Jökeln 3:26

8. Isjungfrun 4:43

9. Asatider 3:55

10. Fångad Utav Nordens Själ 4:30

Total Running: 40:31

Sweden

Empyrium-Weiland (2002)

The last album from Empyrium. This is a continuation of their newer neofolk sound, with many classical elements mixed in. An absolutely beautiful note to go out on, this is a HIGHLY recommended release. Prophecy Productions.

1. Kein Hirtenfeuer Glimmt Mehr 2:36

2. Helmwärts 6:52

3. Nebel 2:18

4. Fotrgang 7:11

5. A Capella 0:51

6. Nachhall 1:31

7. Waldpoesie 13:56

8. Die Schwäne im Schilf 5:47

9. Am Wasserfall 1:48

10. Fossegrim 3:34

11. Der Nix 2:47

12. Das Blau-Kristaline Kämmerlein 1:31

Total Running: 50:42

Germany

Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays (1999)

Here is where Empyrium full devote all their abilities towards incredibly atmospheric, melancholy neofolk acoustic music. There is no metal to be found here... but absolutely beautiful music. If you like Ulver's "Kveldssanger", Forseti, October Falls, and the like, this album is for you. Highly recommended! Prophecy Productions.

1. Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays 5:34

2. Dying Brokenhearted 5:39

3. the Shepherd and the Maiden Ghost 3:26

4. The Sad Song of the Wind 2:56

5. Wehmut 3:04

6. A Pastoral Theme 1:59

7. Abendrot 2:10

8. Many Moons Ago... 4:25

9. When Shadows Grow Longer 3:14

Total Running: 32:27

Germany

Empyrium-Songs of Moors and Misty Fields (1997)

Second full length from Germany's Empyrium. More absolutely gorgeous folk/neofolk-infused doom metal. I cannot recommend this band enough...every release is amazing! Prophecy productions.

1. When Shadows Grow Longer 1:30

2. The Blue Mists of Night 6:28

3. Mourners 9:18

4. Ode to Melancholy 8:48

5. Lover's Grief 9:12

6. The Ensemble of Silence 9:53

Total Running: 45:09

Germany

Empyrium-A Wintersunset... (1996)

Empyrium is an absolutely amazing folk/neofolk/doom band from Germany. This album has many more doom metal elements to it than their later material, but nonetheless, this is a must have for all those who love folk-infused metal, and even neofolk acts such as Forseti, Orplid, and October Falls. Highly recommended! Prophecy Productions.

1. Moonromanticism 2:00

2. Under Dreamskies 10:10

3. The Franconian Woods in Winter's Silence 10:55

4. The Yearning 8:41

5. Autumn Grey Views 3:56

6. Ordain'd to Thee 11:14

7. A Gentle Grieving Farewell Kiss 2:00

Total Running: 48:56

Germany

Amorphis-Silent Waters (2007)

the most recent release from Finland's Amorphis. If you liked the previous album Eclipse, you'll love this. Melodic metal, mixed with catchy and beautiful folk melodies. Highly recommended! Nuclear Blast.

1. Weaving the Incantation 4:57

2. A Servant 3:55

3. Silent Waters 4:49

4. Towards and Against 4:59

5. I of Crimson Blood 5:05

6. Her Alone 6:01

7. Enigma 3:34

8. Shaman 4:55

9. The WHite Swan 4:49

10. Black River 3:45

Total Running: 46:49

Finland

Amorphis-Eclipse (2006)

Spectacular release documenting Amorphis' newer direction, a melodic, folk-infused rock with the occasional death metal influence. An absolutely beautiful album, with melodies that stay stuck in your head for days. May not be for everyone, however, if you give it a chance, it'll grow on you. Highly recommend, especially for Viikate fans, or anyone who likes folk/rock. Nuclear Blast.

1. Two Moons 3:22

2. House of Sleep 4:10

3. Leaves Scar 3:38

4. Born from Fire 3:59

5. Under a Soil and Black Soil 4:13

6. Perkele (The God of Fire) 3:31

7. The Smoke 3:39

8. Same Flesh 4:40

9. Brother Moon 4:47

10. Empty Opening 5:48

Total Running: 41:47

Finland

Amorphis-Tales from the Thousand Lakes (1994)

Amorphis is a household name in the metal world, but this blog is about my favorite music, so I'll post what I please. Amorphis is a melodic death metal band (rock, now), with heavy folk music influence. This particular album is regarded as the pinnacle of their death metal days, filled to the brim with heavy, headbangable riffs, yet with a very unique melodic edge that bares heavy folk music similarities. An absolute gem of the melodic death metal movement, I recommend this to all metal fans, and especially for those possessing a love for folk metal and death metal. Highly recommended!

1. Thousand Lakes 2:03

2. Into Hiding 3:42

3. The Castaway 5:30

4. First Doom 3:49

5. Black Winter Day 3:48

6. Drowned Maid 4:23

7. In the Beginning 3:34

8. Forgotten Sunrise 4:50

9. To Fathers Cabin 3:47

10. Magic and Mayhem 4:27

Total Running: 40:18

Finland

Alkonost-The Path We've Never Made (2006)

Another very solid and enjoyable bit of folk metal from Russia's Alkonost. Catchy riffs, pervasive folky atmosphere, and a very 'Russian' sound (if you are familiar with other bands in the Russian folk metal scene). For fans of Arkona and Butterfly Temple! Haarbn Productions.

1. The Forest Voice 6:14

2. The Indiscernible Path 6:24

3. the Night Before the Battle 8:38

4. Nivushka-Niva 7:43

5. Darkness 8:35

6. the Dream Sea 8:16

7. Heat-Lightning Thoughts 9:03

Total Running: 54:53

Russia

Alkonost-Between the Worlds (2004)

Wonderful folk metal band hailing from Russia, Alkonost has been around for a few years, releasing consistently solid material. Folk instruments, rich atmosphere, and great folk metal riffs make this quite an enjoyable listen. Recommended, especially for fans of Arkona, Butterfly Temple, and Svarga. Metalagen/Soyuz Music.

1. Bloody Grasses 3:56

2. Nevertimes 4:23

3. The Abyss 3:49

4. Waiting 5:27

5. Evil Times 4:13

6. Unknown Lands 4:55

7. Before the Epoch of Twilight 3:14

8. Mother of Sadness 5:00

Total Running: 34:57

Russia

Evilfeast-Funeral Sorcery (2005)

More raw and atmospheric symphonic black metal from Poland's Evilfeast. If you liked the first album, you'll like this one...raw production, atmospheric synths, engaging riffs, and overall well-crafted songs. Funeral Sound Production.

1. Funeral Sorcery 11:13

2. I Reach the Winter Twilight 7:25

3. Krone aus Kalten Sternen 9:40

4. Tale of Carpathian Wind 8:51

5. Iconoclast Eminence 7:08

6. Im Schatten der Majestät des Eistodes 13:51

Total Running: 58:08

Poland

Evilfeat-Mysteries of the Nocturnal Forest (2004)

Evilfeast is a raw, yet epic symphonic black metal band from Poland. Very solid, well-executed symphonic black metal, with a gritty and raw production, recommended to fans of Kataxu, Emperor, and even Graveland. Old Legends Productions.

1. Ode to a Rising Fullmoon (intro) 3:38

2. Immerse into Cold Mist 7:15

3. Thy Woods are Sacred 8:36

4. Towards the Funeral Winternight... 9:59

5. Solitude Apotheosis 3:00

6. Descending Winds of Holocaust 7:37

7. The Black Heavens Open 9:16

8. Morbid Rejoice 7:09

9. Desolate Fields Left (outro) 2:59

Total Running: 59:13

Poland

Epheles-Le Dernier Pardon (2003)

Wonderful debut full-length from Epheles...raw, yet epic and beautiful black metal, in the French style we all know and love. Uncompromising and powerful, yet melodically-inclined riffs, and well-crafted songs, make this an all-around enjoyable and worthy release. Recommended. Self-released.

1. Le Deuil des Innocents 7:50

2. L'oeuvre Unique 11:45

3. La Symphonie des Ombres 2:17

4. Le Marches des Oubliés 6:55

5. Sous le Volle de L'Eternité 7:06

6. Ultima Venia 9:38

7. Au Seuil du Néant 2:39

Total Running: 48:10

France

Emperor-Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk (1997)

Absolutely magnificent second full-length from Norway's Emperor. Here, they took the formula from "Nightside", and improved upon greatly, creating a swirling, dizzying, beautiful, epic masterpiece. More clean vocals abound, and the songs seem both more concise, yet at the same time, more chaotic and hateful. And of course, there are the absolutely splendid synth lines underlying the entire album, and an amazing performance from then-new drummer, Trym. Everyone should already own this, but if you don't here's your chance. Necessary! Candlelight Records.

1. Alsvartr (The Oath) 4:18

2. Ye Entrancemperium 5:15

3. Thus Spake the Nightspirit 4:30

4. Ensorcelled by Khaos 6:39

5. The Loss and Curse of Reverence 6:10

6. The Acclamation of Bonds 5:54

7. With Strength I Burn 8:17

8. The Wanderer 2:55

Total Running: 43:58

Norway

Emperor-In the Nightside Eclipse (Remastered) (1994)

Absolutely legendary debut full-length from Emperor. This release almost single-handedly wrote the book on symphonic/epic black metal, and it is held in such high esteem for a reason: this is simply an all-around amazing black metal release. Full of chaotic, tremolo-picked, furious riffs, juxtaposed over beautiful, flowing, epic synth melodies, coupled with Ihsahn's characteristic screech and the solid and skilled drumming of Faust, this album has it all. If you don't have it, hang your head in shame, and then get it! Necessary! Candlelight Records.

1. Intro/Into the Infinity of Thoughts 9:06

2. The Burning Shadows of Silence 5:36

3. Cosmic Keys to my Creations & Times 6:06

4. Beyond the Great Vast Forest 6:01

5. Towards the Pantheon 5:57

6. The Majesty of the Nightsky 4:54

7. I Am the Black Wizards 6:01

8. Inno A Satana 4:48

9. A Fine Day to Die (Bathory cover-bonus) 8:29

10. Gypsy (Mercyful Fate cover-bonus) 2:56

Total Running: 59:49

Norway

Emperor-Emperor EP (1993)

Ah, Emperor. Every tried'n tr00 black metal fan already has listened to them, and most metal fans have at least heard of them...but if, for whatever reason, you have not, here's your chance. This is their self-titled EP, released before the epic black metal storm of "Nightside..." This release shows Emperor in a slightly more raw, primal light, but absolutely high-quality, as is all Emperor. Highly recommended! Candlelight Records.

1. I Am the Black Wizards 6:24

2. Wrath of the Tyrant 4:15

3. Night of the Graveless Souls 3:14

4. Cosmic Keys to My Creations and Times 6:22

Total Running: 20:15

Norway

Elysian Blaze-Beneath Silent Faces (2007)

2007 full-length release from Australia's Elysian Blaze. If you liked their previous works, you'll love this album. More cavernous, intensely atmospheric black/funeral-doom. A must for fans of Xasthur and Nortt! Asphyxiate Records.

1. Anvil Chorus 9:07

2. Prophecy of Misery 6:23

3. A COnstellation of Souls 2:55

4. The Thorned Tongue of Requiem 10:11

5. Beneath Silent Faces 8:51

6. Dark Are My Nights 3:25

7. Despair 9:16

Total Running: 50:08

Commonwealth of Australia

Hey everyone

So, i've been getting very good feedback from all of you, and I thank you all for the responses and support. I was just wondering if any of you would be interested in posting books, too. I have a vast collection of ebooks, with subject matter ranging from Alchemy, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Kabbalah, Esoteric Christianity, Freemasonry, the O.T.O. and other Magick organizations of thought, synthesis science, Egyptology, Atlantis, Rosicrucians, Martinism, and many other topics. Until I receive considerable support or requests for this stuff, this will stay strictly a music blog, but I would love to share these enlightening and interesting texts with you all, so let me know!

~Vinlander

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Elysian Blaze-Levitating the Carnal (2006)

Another spectacular release of blackened funeral-doom-laden DSBM. Absolutely cavernous atmosphere (sounds like a tomb!), sorrow-filled, anguished vocals, and dirge-like tempos, create a thoroughly depressing yet strangely beautiful listen. For fans of Xasthur and Nortt! Asphyxiate Recordings.

1. Body and Blood 3:20

2. Macabre be Thy Blood 10:45

3. Sigh of Night 10:30

4. Eclipse 10:55

5. Beyond the Shape of Mortality 14:35

6. Levitating the Carnal 13:00

7. Spirit and Night 5:00

Total Running: 1:08:05

Commonwealth of Australia

Elysian Blaze-Cold Walls and Apparitions (2005)

Absolutely phenomenal debut full-length from Elysian Blaze. They play a very gloomy, depressive black metal/funeral doom hybrid, that is absolutely filled to the brim with atmosphere. Highly recommended, especially for fans of Xasthur and Nortt, and any fans of depressive, funeral-doom-tinged black metal. Northern Silence Productions.

1. Celestial Mourning Beneath a Forgotten Sky 11:14

2. Funeral Possession 6:53

3. Sleeping with Corpses... Dreaming of the Dead... 5:05

4. The Altar of Necromansy 9:04

5. Walking on the Winds of Sin 12:53

6. A Colder Wall 9:10

Total Running: 54:19

Commonwealth of Australia

Eldrig-Everlasting War Divinity (2007)

Absolutely stunning release from Eldrig. Eldrig the man, is probably best known for his work in epic/symphonic NSBM band, Fanisk. Well, here, we have a much more polished sound than Fanisk, much better production, more coherent songs, dripping with atmosphere, and absolutely epic riffs. HIGHLY recommended for fans of symphonic black metal a la Kataxu, Fanisk, Nokturnal Mortum, and even Emperor. Eastside.

1. Power Ascension 8:20

2. The Elevation of the Beautiful 9:07

3. Affirmation of Victory 9:22

4. Conquest Diety 8:47

5. The Alienation of the Wretched 7:41

6. Death to the Unwilling 11:15

Total Running: 54:32

United States of America

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Aes Dana-Formor (2005)

Absolutely spectacular release from France's celtic pagan black metal horde, Aes Dana. Lots of bagpipe and irish tin whistle melodies abound, and absolutely addicting folk-infused songs, packed with heavy celtic atmosphere. A real step up from the debut release, this is something every fan of folk metal should own. Highly recommended! Oaken Shield.

1. Les Traces de la Branche Rouge 4:45

2. Formors, Mer de Glaces et D'ombre 6:36

3. Formors, Exil 6:55

4. Gwenardell 6:28

5. Le Combat des Arbres 4:48

6. Les Griffes des Oiseaux 4:16

7. Ventres Noirs 5:25

8. Manannan Mac Lir 7:07

Total Running: 46:20

France

Aes Dana-La Chasse Sauvage (2001)

Debut full-length from France's Aes Dana. Aes Dana is a celtic folk-infused pagan black metal band, and a damn good one, at that. Wonderful irish tin whistle melodies abound, mixed in with wonderfully crafted black metal riffs, creating an absolutely great celtic pagan atmosphere. Recommended! Sacral.

1. La Chasse Sauvage 4:24

2. La Derniere Marche 3:45

3. Anwynn 5:25

4. Les Complaintes de Nemon 3:21

5. L'éveil de Fafnir 3:53

6. Cinq Jours Maudits 3:57

7. Stigmates 6:09

8. Ethereal Visions pt.I 3:23

9. Ethereal Visions pt.II 3:05

10. Les Chants des Brennos 5:09

11. Le Suzerain des Âmes en Peine 3:58

Total Running: 46:29

France

Laibach-Volk (2006)

One of the most moving industrial releases i've ever heard, this album sees Laibach create a completely new take on their music, basing every song on a different nation's national anthem. Absolutely stunning, epic, and moving release that will leave you speechless when it is done. Both exuberant and uplifting in some places, and wretchedly damning in others...I cannot recommend this enough...you just need to hear it! Mute Records.

1. Germania 4:06

2. America 4:51

3. Anglia 3:40

4. Rossiya 3:54

5. Francia 4:14

6. Italia 4:50

7. Espana 3:13

8. Yisra'el 3:06

9. Türkiye 4:32

10. Zhonghua 3:49

11. Nippon 7:29

12. Slovania 4:06

13. Vaticanae 2:55

14. NSK 3:54

Total Running: 58:31

Slovenia

Laibach-WAT (2003)

2003 album from Slovenia's industrial masters, Laibach. This album sees a slight return to their older, more bombastic writing (after the slightly metal-tinged "jesus christ superstars" album), with a heavy dose of neoclassical and martial bombast, backing choirs for singing, and slightly militaristic-tinged industrial. Highly recommended! Mute Records.

1. B Mashina 3:50

2. Tans mit Laibach 4:19

3. Du bist unser 5:38

4. Achtung! 4:06

5. Ende 3:45

6. Now You Will Pay 6:07

7. Hell: Symmetry 5:02

8. Das Spiel ist aus 4:21

9. Satanic Versus 4:52

10. The Great Divide 5:11

11. WAT 5:33

12. Anti-Semitism 5:39

Total Running: 58:23

Slovenia

Laibach-Jesus Christ Superstars (1996)

A change of sound, slightly, with more guitar driven music, sees Laibach venture into new territory, musically, with this album focused on the theme of religion. Of course, in true Laibach fashion, more covers are to be had. While this is slightly different than most Laibach albums, it is, no less, a wonderful and compelling listen. Recommended. Mute Records.

1. God is God (Burton/Watkins) 3:43

2. Jesus Christ Superstar (Lloyd Webber/Rice) 5:45

3. Kingdom of God 5:37

4. Abuse and Confession 6:14

5. Declaration of Freedom 5:33

6. Message from the Black Star 5:50

7. The Cross (Prince cover) 4:54

8. To the New Light 5:00

9. Deus Ex Machina 4:00

Total Running: 46:36

Slovenia

Laibach-NATO (1994)

Another AMAZING release from Slovenia's industrial/martial kings, Laibach. This album is an all-covers album, based on an overlying theme of war. As always, very totalitarian in nature, very politically ambiguous, militant, and amazing martial/industrial music. HIGHLY recommended.

1. NATO (based on "Mars, Bringer of War" by English composer Gustav Holst) 5:45

2. War (Edwin Starr cover) 4:10

3. Final Countdown (Europe cover) 5:40

4. In the Army Now (Bolland/Status Quo cover) 4:31

5. Dogs of War (Pink Floyd cover) 4:43

6. Alle gegen alle (Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft cover) 3:52

7. National Reservation (Paul Revere & The Raiders cover) 3:46

8. 2525 (Zager & Evans cover) 3:48

9. Mars on River Drina (Based on "March on River Drina" by Serbian composer Stanislav Binicki) 4:48

Total Running: 41:09

Slovenia

Laibach-Macbeth (1990)

This Laibach album is the soundtrack to a play, a production of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth". Just another fine example of Laibach's excellent martial/neoclassical side. Recommended, as are all of Laibach's works. Mute Records.

1. Macbeth 32:00

Total Running: 32:00

Slovenia

Laibach-Let It Be (1988)

Laibach has become known for their martial industrial takes on popular music, such as Queen and Opus. But here, they push their politically-charged covers to a new level, by covering the entire Beatles "Let It Be" album (notably, leaving the title track out). Here, they have taken the originals (just happy-go-lucky pop songs recorded almost as an afterthought at the end of The Beatles' career), and turning them into sinister, politically ambiguous, charged industrial pieces, in the typical, militaristic Laibach fashion. Highly recommended. Mute Records.

1. Get Back 4:25

2. Two of Us 4:04

3. Dig a Pony 4:40

4. I Me Mine 4:41

5. Across the Universe 4:15

6. Dig It 1:32

7. I've Got a Feeling 4:34

8. The Long and Winding Road 1:49

9. One After 909 3:20

10. For You Blue 5:10

11. Maggie Mae (Auf der Lüneburger Heide & Was gleicht wohl auf Erden) 3:41

Total Running: 42:31

Slovenia

Laibach-Nova Akropola (1985)

Second full length album from Slovene martial industrialists, Laibach. As with their debut album, this album continues on their highly experimental, neoclassical/martial path, unlike the concise songs of their later career. As with all Laibach, highly recommended. Wax Trax! Records.

1. Vier Personen 5:26

2. Nova Akropola 6:55

3. Krvava Gruda-Plodna Zemlja 4:07

4. Vojna Poema 3:12

5. Ti, Ki Izzivas 1:20

6. Die Liebe 4:26

7. Drzaza 4:19

8. Vade Retro 4:33

9. Panorama 4:52

10. Decree 6:41

Total Running: 45:51

Slovenia

Laibach-Laibach (1985)

Debut album from legendary Slovenian industrial/martial band, Laibach. Every album of theirs is an industrial/martial gem, and this album is no different. While this album is primarily in their native Slovenian, they would later move to utilizing heavy German to create a borderline-fascist imagery, that was politically ambiguous, and they honed their sound down to more basic, militaristic industrial, that they would perfect over the years. This early material, however, is much more neoclassical and martial, as well as highly experimental in nature. Recommended. SKUC.

1. Cari Amici 1:51

2. Sila 4:02

3. Sredi Bojev 8:08

4. Drzava 4:31

5. Dekret 4:12

6. Mi Kujemo Bodocnost 4:45

7. Brat Moj 5:54

8. Panorama 4:37

Total Running: 38:31

Slovenia

Adorned Brood-Erdenkraft (2002)

2002 album from Germany's Adorned Brood. They play very traditional folk/viking metal, in the vein of Menhir, Ensiferum, Arkona, and Månegarm. Harsh growl, sparse female vocals, strong, folksy riffs, viking choir shout-alongs, delicate acoustics, and epic, atmospheric songs. Recommended. Moonstorm.

1. Welcome Our Friends 5:31

2. Totenmarsch 2:39

3. Lebenslied 4:13

4. Old Great Master 5:40

5. Erdenkraft 3:52

6. Der Fluch 5:19

7. Göttersehnsucht 3:49

8. Enchantment 1:36

9. Liar 4:36

10. Jenseits des Horizonts 2:35

Total Running: 39:49

Germany

Adorned Brood-Asgard (2000)

Third full-length release from German folk metal group Adorned Brood. Heavy on the atmosphere, with tasteful female vocals interspersed, delicate and beautiful acoustic passages, headbangable riffs, vicious, raspy vocals, and killer riffs overall. Recommended for fans of Ensiferum, Arkona, Månegarm, etc; Moonstorm.

1. Intro 1:26

2. A God Ruled Time 4:51

3. Asgard 6:18

4. Black Beasts 9:21

5. Twilight in Midgard 1:55

6. Pride was my Desire 4:37

7. The Ambush 6:31

8. Magic Nights 4:37

9. Mighty Swords 4:39

10. Arrival 0:50

11. Die Wiederkehr 4;32

Total Running: 49:37

Germany

Windir-Likferd (2003)

The final album of Norway's folk/black metal giants, Windir. This album sees Windir with even better production, and more refined, condensed songs. None the less, this, like all Windir albums, is a fine piece of folk/black metal art that everyone should own. Highly recommended. Head Not Found.

1. Resurrection of the Wild 5:52

2. Martyrium 5:00

3. Despot 6:01

4. Blodssvik 5:47

5. Fagning 8:31

6. On the Mountain of Goats 5:24

7. Dauden 4:19

8. Ætti Mørkna 7:46

Total Running: 48:40

Norway

Windir-1184 (2001)

Third full length release from Norway's Windir. This album exhibits slightly more cleaned-up production, concise songwriting, and even more electronica elements (added in a tasteful, non-industrial way). But above all, this is another Windir release, packed with beautiful folk melodies, soaring keys, and absolutely epic, atmosphere-drenched songs. A must for all folk/viking/black metal fans. Highly recommended. Head Not Found.

1. Todeswalzer 4:54

2. 1184

3. Dance of Mortal Lust 5:45

4. The Spiritlord 6:11

5. Heidra 8:18

6. Destroy 6:30

7. Black New Age 4:54

8. Journey to the End 9:34

Total Running: 51:34

Norway

Windir-Sóknardalr (1997)

This is where it all started-Windir's first official full-length album, Sóknardalr. An absolutely phenomenal debut release, where the Windir sound was really put on the map. Wonderfully created black metal, with beautiful folk melodies only Valfar could compose, soaring keys, and an absolutely heaping amount of epic atmosphere. Every folk/viking/black metal fan should own this, and if you don't, get it. Now. HIGHLY recommended. Head Not Found.

1. Sognariket Sine Krigarar 5:35

2. Det Some var Haukareld 5:40

3. Mørket Sin Fyrste 7:26

4. Sognariket si Herskarinne 4:17

5. I el Krystallnatt 5:15

6. Røvhaugane 5:32

7. Likbør 8:08

8. Sóknardalr 5:42

Total Running: 47:45

Norway

Wintersun-Wintersun (2004)

Debut album from Finland's Wintersun. Wintersun was just a side project of Jari Mäenpää, of Ensiferum fame, but he now is full-time in Wintersun. This is fast, majestic, melodic, virtuosic, atmospheric, folk-influenced death/power metal. If you like Ensiferum, this is a must. But I HIGHLY recommend this album to all metal fans in general, as it is an entrancing listen. Nuclear Blast.

1. Beyond the Dark Sun 2:38

2. Winter Madness 5:08

3. Sleeping Stars 5:41

4. Battle Against Time 7:03

5. Death and the Healing 7:13

6. Starchild 7:54

7. Beautiful Death 8:16

8. Sadness and Hate 10:16

Total Running: 54:09

Finland

Friday, April 18, 2008

Minas Morgul-Todesschwadron Ost (2006)

2006 album from Germany's pagan/folk black/death metal barbarians, Minas Morgul. Absolutely excellent, brutal, yet melodic, epic & atmospheric pagan black metal, filled with beautiful acoustic instrumental interludes, solid, ass-kicking riffs, and all things wonderful and pagan. Highly recommended. Black Attack.

1. Ein Meyster des Blutes 5:27

2. Der Herr der Erde 6:10

3. Die Stunde des Wolfes 2:01

4. Wulf 5:21

5. Ein Schatten 5:39

6. Todesschwadron Ost 5:58

7. Noir 6:47

8. Stahlpakt 54º 4:53

9. Wie's uns Gefällt... 5:14

10. Tag/Monolithen des Todes 6:23

11. AK-47 Kalaschnikowstandgericht 4:46

12. Aar-Har-Karaz 6:51

Total Running: 1:05:00

Germany

Minas Morgul-Schwertzeit (2002)

Debut full-length from Germany's Minas Morgul. This is some wonderful melodic pagan black metal. Very epic, soaring melodies, incredible atmosphere, some absolutely crushing death/black metal, and sparingly-used keys. If any sort of viking/pagan metal or pagan black metal interests you, give Minas Morgul a chance... Definitely some great stuff. Recommended. Aural Attack Productions.

1. Opus I-Am Höllentore 5:59

2. Liber Mortis 4:55

3. Storm 5:31

4. Blut und Eisen 3:46

5. Innocent Flesh 5:54

6. Mithrandir 3:27

7. Väterchen Frost 5:24

8. Allvaters Traum 5:39

9. From Somewhere Far Behind the Gate of Eternal Sleep 2:47

10. Paganlord (bonus) 7:38

Total Running: 51:08

Germany

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Hey everyone

So, as you may have guessed, i'm not readily available to update my blog today (wasn't around yesterday, either.). Hopefully, Friday night or Saturday morning, i'll be able to...but as of right now, i'm housesitting a friend's house, and thus, don't have the means nor the music with me to make any considerable posts. But soon enough, friends. Soon enough.

~Vinlander

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Wolfchant-A Pagan Storm (2007)

Absolutely AWESOME folk/viking metal release from Germany's Wolfchant. Highly addicting folk melodies, traditional instruments thrown in the mix, AWESOME, catchy riffs, viking sing-along choruses, plenty of headbangable material...long story short, if you like folk metal and viking metal, GET THIS! A must for fans of Ensiferum, Eluveitie, Menhir, Arkona, etc;. CCP Records.

1. Growing Storms (intro) 1:55

2. A Pagan Storm 4:55

3. The Path 3:59

4. Midnight Gathering 3:31

5. A Wolfchant from the Mountain Side 5:06

6. Guardians of the Forest 3:28

7. Winter Hymn 6:50

8. Stärkend Trunk aus Feindes Schädel 5:44

9. Voran 5:27

10. Feuerbringer (Loki's Zankrede) 4:31

11. The Axe, The Sword, The Wind and a Wolf 5:12

Total Running: 50:38

Germany

Moonblood-Taste Our German Steel (2000)

The final full length from German black metal legends, Moonblood. Like all Moonblood releases, this is raw, dirty, epic, and atmospheric black metal of the highest order. An absolute classic, like "Blut und Krieg". Some of the best German black metal ever. Period. Highly recommended. End All Life Productions.

1. Embraced by Lycanthropy's Spell 7:38

2. Sarg und Tod, Part II 5:54

3. The Came the Silence 6:09

4. Apocalyptic Vision 9:09

5. The Angel's Lament 5:50

6. A Walk in the Woods 6:00

Total Running: 40:40

Germany

Moonblood-Blut und Krieg (1997)

While Moonblood released a slew of demos for years before this album, this was Moonblood's 'official' debut LP. This is an absolutely fantastic album, one that every tried n' true black metal fan should own. Raw, filthy production, soaring, epic riffs, combine to create an absolutely amazing, atmospheric album. HIGHLY recommended. Majestic Union.

1. Intro: Midnight 0:47

2. In a Bloody Night of Fullmoon 4:21

3. Shadows 7:40

4. ...and Snow Covered the Lifeless Bodies 9:04

5. My Evil Soul 7:11

6. Blut und Krieg 6:02

7. Kingdom of Forgotten Dreams 4:43

8. Under the Cold Fullmoon 7:52

9. I Am All 7:16

10. The Infernal Master Returns: Outro 1:56

Total Running: 56:52

Germany