How to describe Satarial? Aside from possessing a broad extreme metal tendency, this Moscow based outfit are almost impossible to pigeonhole. A rather clumsy description might be “operatic battle black metal”. It sounds implausible, but that’s kind of where the bulk of their inspiration comes from on their 2016 release ‘Blessed Brigit’. It should be a mess; it should be so confrontational that almost no-one would want to listen…but, somehow, their noisy sound collages are fascinating in their aural brutality – and after over a decade of plying their ugliness, the fact that they still sound so original and so vibrant is no mean feat.
Tag Archives: folk metal
New video from Skyforger
Ahead of their European tour, Latvian folk-metal band Skyforger have posted a new promo video. The song, ‘The Black Sails’ comes from their current album ‘Senprūsija'(translated: ‘Old Prussia’). You can watch the full clip below.
HARROW – Fallow Fields
This third album by Canadian outfit Harrow is a very interesting affair. Although principally pitched as a hybrid of black and folk metal, the resultant sounds on their 2015 release stretch much further than just those musical touchstones. Taking in acoustic and even shoegazy moods, it could be said that Harrow’s take on folk metal doesn’t always the most obvious route.
Northern Oak announce tour dates
To tie in with the release of their superb 2014 release ‘Of Roots and Flesh’, folk metal band Northern Oak have confirmed a short run of live shows.
Those located in the north of England (or willing to travel) can see the band live at the following venues between the end of September and November:
NORTHERN OAK – Of Roots And Flesh
As far as metal-based subgenres are concerned, folk metal is often overlooked. While Skyclad are often viewed as that particular niche’s favourite sons (they have arguably been the most commercially successful), dozens of other bands have worked hard to make a place for themselves within the scene. Sheffield’s Northern Oak built a cult following after releasing their debut EP in 2008, eventually gaining critical acclaim from Terrorizer Magazine for their subsequently released albums. After releasing their second full-length album ‘Monuments’ in 2010, the band appeared at the Bloodstock Festival and concentrated on live work. Breaking a four year studio silence, ‘Of Roots and Flesh’ (recorded with Electric Wizard producer Chris Fielding and again self-released) is a very accomplished work, its dozen tracks creating a sprawling musical landscape; often dense, but always with just enough atmosphere to ensure nothing ever feels too overwhelming.