Artist: Wyrd
Album: Kalivägi
Type: Album
Label: Naga Productions
I’ve been a long time follower of Wyrd’s career, dating back as far as receiving a demo tape back in the late 90’s when main man Narqath was still playing in Hellkult (and sounding a lot harsher and blacker than he ever did when in Wyrd). Wyrd’s sound itself has changed many times throughout their now eight album career, ranging from their early epic heathen metal journeys of harshness that were abound in ‘Heathen’ and ‘Huldrafolk’, to their more recent ‘Brave Murder Day’ era Katatonia-tinged trips heard on ‘The Ghost Album’ and ‘Kammen’.
‘Kalivägi’ as the bands eighth release contains plentiful aspects from the bands career, without sounding too much like any specific period of their existence. There’s a still a slight blackened hue to the folky riffage, with the odd touch of keyboards which were put to great use regularly during their ‘Vargtimmen’ era of works. There’s even a good old fashion rock vibe in the some of the guitar solo work (notable early on in the album’s title track). All the influences and eras of the band tie together beautifully to create an album which crowns the bands career to date, culminating in the highlight track of the album for me “Hämärän Soutajat” – a song that sums up the greatness of this under-rated bands’ career in just over 6 minutes. The folk influences take the forefront for the fourth track “Loitsulaulu”, with a beefy chorus that would rouse even the most stoic of folk-hating metallers. In fact, the album as a whole is packed with huge choruses, as well as mellow acoustic interludes, touching melodies and a stroke of sadness that stains the overall feel of the release - a wholesome vibe that is a mile away from your usual mass produced major label nonsense.
Thus, Wyrd have returned once more to release an album of great quality. In a world of ‘paint by numbers’ musical entities, Wyrd dare to colour over the lines with a strong, honest spirit. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and discover this great band sooner rather than later, you won’t regret it.
http://www.myspace.com/wyrdfinland
http://www.naga-productions.com
Lars Christiansen
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