Here’s a real blast from the past. This Welsh band got in touch reminding that we had reviewed their previous demos via past websites when they were active between 2006 and 2009. In that time the band have not split up or anything but it would appear they have had quite a lot of members through their doors. Now they are back complete with a guitarist from Gloryhammer and a bassist from Shieldwall. I had a good look through a box of demos and reviews from around that time and although it was possible I covered their earlier stuff I can’t seem to find it to compare, which is a bit of a shame as it means I had to dip completely freshly into their brand of mythological Welsh folk metal all over again.
This is a four track EP and it would appear by the main three numbers on it that it is heavily inspired by ye olde Welsh mountains of which when I was much younger and fitter walking to the top of Cader Idris almost finished me off. The mountain trilogy here starts with ‘Mountain’s Sunrise’ a track which sees the sun straight out without any hint of introduction as all the instruments come straight in. This has a pagan folk feel strongly coursing through it as it is joined by the melodic and gentle clean croons of vocalist Owain ap Arawn ex of Folkearth and Siluria. It reminds a fair bit of Summoning and to a certain extent the heathenism of bands such as Wodensthrone and Fen at their least aggressive. I think that’s more to do with the moods and emotions it atmospherically evokes though, ones of the earth and the wonders of nature. A splash of violin peppers an acoustic part and the melody here is strong throughout allowing the song to wedge itself into your consciousness after a couple of listens. Largely acoustic is ‘Mountain’s Peak’ which makes perfect sense as after getting there you are going to want to get your breath and chill a little! The dreamy flow and soothing acoustic guitar work ebb around some spoken word parts before the track opens up tempered again with violin and a lush melody. It’s time for the descent with ‘Mountain’s Farewell’ and it’s a tumultuous one and makes me hope nobody decided to jump down as everything barrels in and hurtles on a downward trajectory like a boulder. Things calm with an acoustic part and the track progresses with a good balance between passionate might and reflective atmosphere, vocal chants being particularly evocative. As an addition after this we get traditional Welsh lullaby Suo Gân which you may well recognise handled with respectful grace by the band.
This was a very welcome reminder of a good UK act even if regrettably I don’t remember them as well as I should do. It would seem that others do as they have recently played both Warhorns Festival in York and The Blackwood Gathering in The Lake District. Hopefully this may well pave the way for more and even a debut album. If so I look forward to it.
(7/10 Pete Woods)
06/10/2015 at 1:27 pm
They were excellent at Warhorns, did a mostly acoustic set due to a line up issue but a) anyone playing an acoustic flying V is fine with me and b) it was a warm, pleasant and engaging set. Bought this on the strength of their set.