Search - Crimfall :: As the Path Unfolds

Truly a great new Epic Folk group...

C. M. Gillum | Michigan | 06/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having just formed in 2007 Crimfall are fairly unknown even to those that like myself have been long fans of this style of Metal. I was expecting this to suffer from low production value as it is the first full length by the group but was pleasantly surprised to hear that the music sounds excellent.



I was also expecting a rather bland Folk Metal album, basically the same stuff only under a different banner. Thankfully Crimfall stand on their own feet and offer enough originality to keep the album feeling fresh and new. The major and most obvious difference would be the use of both male and female vocals. The male side is done in fairly standard death screams and growls while the females clean harmonic style stands as a stark contrast, and even she manages to toss a couple aggressive yells out every now and then.



The band is definitely aiming for that 'Epic' atmosphere that many other bands fail at so horrendously. Four tracks (Neothera Awakening, Sun Orphaned, Aubade, Novembré) are all slower atmospheric interludes between the remaining seven rip roaring Metal tracks. Track nine "Aubade" is the only with singing and towards the end feels more like an extremely Epic Ballad. This lighter instrumental side of the group is a yet another stark contrast when compared to the often brutal Metallic tracks.



Nearly every track on this album has an 'anthem' feel to it and Jakke Viitala proves himself to be an amazing Musician. From the crushing rhythm sections to the chaotic programming on the Orchestral arrangements Jakke proves he is a man that knows what the hell he is doing. Their are some interesting 'Session' members on the album such as Henri "Trollhorn" Sorvali on bass whom plays for Finntroll and Moonsorrow.



I really think the one thing that I enjoy most of all about this album is the wide range of tempo's heard. Their is extremely slow and melodic arrangements and then in a blink of an eye it turns to an all out shred fest on tracks like the chaotic "Non Serviam". Normally Folk Metal bands stick to one or the such as Finntroll, whom prefer a very fast paced tempo.



All said and done I have to admit this is an amazing album and even more impressive as it being the bands first Full Length. I believe it is safe to say we can only expect to see this band improve with age and possibly if we are lucky get yet another Epic Folk Metal group that pumps out consistent quality in the album department. I hope that my review encouraged you to purchase this album and support a new band that so early in their career needs the support of fans. Thank you for reading."