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We the Skyforgers followers were in a strife against elements in order to fulfill our will to see the band´s mythical demo “Semigalls´ Warchant” re-released. That event has finally taken place by the grace of Folter Records. The demo has been remastered and in addition, this CD offers us an EP consisting of 4 new songs, specially made for this release. If you are familiar with Skyforger albums and you expect something in that vein, I must warn you this is different, since the style of “Semigalls´ Warchant” is blacker than the rather heavy metal side of the current musical line of the band. This way, we can behold the evolution happened during these years. The old songs are mostly mid paced black metal and vocals are very raspy –the trademark of this release and a distinctive trait without a doubt-, and the strong guitar lines weave typical black metal patterns the Nordic kind. Melodies are rough and steady, though effective. Anyway I can´t mention this or that band as a clear influence of these guys. Hmmmm, wrong, there´s one in my opinion. Maybe it´s just me and my paranoid visions, but I´ve always reminded Master´s Hammer when hearing Skyforger´s old material. Besides that one, I can´t reckon any clear comparison. Well, sometimes I feel the vibes could be sort of Immortal´s first album, but the sound here is far better.
Nevertheless, the good thing about Skyforger was their fresh intrusion into the scene. Since they came from a country without metal tradition as Latvia is, no words but the praiseworthy ones can be spoken about the effort of the band. The fact they sang some tracks in Latvian and they included some folk music passages played with traditional instruments just meant another element that put Skyforger ahead of the pack. In “Semigalls´ Warchant” the listener can appreciate the band was just starting to develop their trademark sound, but here and there traces of the good thigs to come can be seen and tasted. And what about the new songs? Well, I´d say there are no big differences with “Thunderforge”, except for the noticeable growth of the folk element incorporated. Now the band sounds folkier than ever before, mostly in the melodies featured, but still retaining the metal music. Aggressive and catchy, really good! All in all this is a must for any Skyforger fan, that´s sure.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Sunrise Over The Sacred Forest |
| 2. Werewolves |
| 3. Chief Nameisis |
| 4. Sings Carved In Stone |
| 5. Night Of Winter Solstice |
| 6. Long I Heard, Now I See |
| 7. Semigalls’ Warchant |
| Bonus tracks: |
| 8. To The Northern Shores |
| 9. Bloodfield |
| 10. Kâvi |
| 11. Sunset Over The Sacred Forest |
: 45.03
| Buy other Skyforger albums |
