After long years of waiting, the cries of Odin's ravens and the powerful thunder of Thor's hammer Mjollnir resonate over Midgard. Scene connoisseurs and Viking metal enthusiasts know that this can only mean one thing: The release of FALKENBACH's latest album! The fifth work by the Skaldic Art mastermind Vratyas Vakyas impressively resumes the journey into the world of Nordic mythology. Epic melodies, raw parts, catchy leads, and calm interludes come together on "Tiurida" (Eng. "Glory") to deliver the characteristic sound attributed to Falkenbach. Clean vocals, choral arrangements, and acoustic guitars add a melancholic folk touch to the sound universe of Vratyas Vakyas, who used his time well to craft true anthems. The new tracks were recorded under the supervision of Patrick Damiani of Tidalwave Studio, and deliver a full and crystal-clear sound, allowing every last detail and melody line to shine. The new album is the culmination of Vratyas Vakyas' past work and has most certainly already earned him entry into the pantheon of the gods.
Review
Rather than folk-infused metal, Tiurida would almost be more accurately described as metal-infused folk. Stripping away the distorted guitars and harsh vocals, the listener is left with infectious and memorable folk songs. Similarly to other great folk metal bands, the heaviness simply adds power and heart to these epic tales and myths. Although this latest Falkenbach recording may not be the most daring step forward, its strong songwriting and diverse instrumentation will give even the most casual followers of the genre an extremely satisfying listen. - Guitar Messenger 4/5
