I had never heard of Skyforger before when this CD showed up, but then again, it's not exactly commonplace to come across bands from Latvia, is it? I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but "Kauja Pie Saules", on Paragon Records, is actually a re-release of the band's 1998 debut album. Skyforger's overall concept as a band seems to revolve around the ancient history, folklore, and pagan beliefs of Latvia, and these cats definitely seem quite knowledgeable on such topics. All of the lyrics herein are in the Latvian language (English translations are provided), and some of the artwork was even used with permission from the Latvian Museum of War!? These guys aren't messing around, eh? As is often the case when such specific historical influence is present, there are some elements of Latvian folk music in the songs—such as a few instances of traditional instruments, melodies, or vocal chants—but the band integrates such aspects into a core of relatively standard black metal, and they do so rather well. It's not overly raw, and doesn't restrict itself to the tenets of the genre's more narrowminded side, so there are a lot of variations in tempo and some riffing styles that carry a bit more rhythmic weight. However, the bulk of the album is a relatively fast 'n' fierce form of black metal with snarling vocals and all that jazz. Hey, I dig it. The variety just helps keep things interesting and gives the band more of their own identity.
Skyforger "Svetais Ugunskrusts"
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Comments
not bad, but imo there are too many of these “traditional” or folkish metal bands in the baltics as it is (i’m from Estonia :P), and while these guys are probably one of the better bands that i’ve heard from this style, i still get bored very quickly.
8.24.2006 | By Anonymous