My first encounter with Germany’s Suidakra occurred in 2003 when I heard a track of theirs called “Pendragon’s Fall” off their “Emprise to Aralon” album on 6 Euro 66 compilation “In the Eyes of Death III”. I was impressed and flagged it up in my mind but other than keeping note of what Suidakra were doing, didn’t really do anything about it. It’s not as if there’s a shortage of material. “Book of Dowth” is Suidakra’s 10th full album.
“Celtic Metal” is a description given to Suidakra. Indeed, the “Dowth” of the title is one of three Neolithic passage tombs in Ireland. It’s no surprise then that we set off with the sound of bagpipes. What is more prominent however is a developing dark and heavy rhythm, culminating in “Dowth 2059”, distinctly fiery, battle-laden track. Drums beat in accordance with the dark mound of the dowth as melodic guitar rhythms and passionate growls entice us further in Suidakra’s world. Somehow and strangely the ambiance reminds me of the decidedly unceltic Children of Bodom but it’s steadier. The pace steps up for “Battle-Cairns”, another anthemic track which is enhanced by the sound of whispering darkness and guitar virtuosity. It’s rousing rather than rampant. There’s a change of direction for “Biróg’s Oath” as we head into a Celtic section of the album. “Biróg’s Oath” has the air of a mediaeval folk song. Bagpipes provide the background for another thumping heavy rhythm. “Mag Mell”, which is a plain of joy achieved through death or glory in Celtic Mythology, has a distinctly Irish sound. It’s acoustic and nicely sung. “The Dark Mound” is a Metal track with a Celtic rhythm and with the imagery of bloodshed and warmongering.
The only weak track for me was “Balor. It wasn’t dreadful but it wasn’t especially powerful and for me the Finns capture the mood of the battle-torn warrior better. Moreover the chorus and its utterance of “a world full of hate and greed” is trite. The bouncy and catchy “Stone of the Seven Seas” makes up for lost ground, and normal service is resumed completely with the driving and uplifting “Fury Fomoraigh”. Demonstrating another aspect of this band, “Otherworlds Collide” brings it to an acoustic close.
Suidakra bridge the gap between Metal and Celtic music with “Book of Dowth”. My reaction is mixed, as I didn’t find it especially challenging, nor always inspiring, but at the same time there were strong moments where a mood was captured in both a Metal and Folk framework. It doesn’t break down barriers though. “Book of Dowth” is interesting without being in contention for my album of the year.
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http://www.suidakra.com
