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Skyforger endeavoured with this release into hazardous territories, as they took the decision of releasing a folk music album. No electric instruments, no metal at all; some traditional songs and others of their own were to be performed the ancestral way. With the great help of some blokes, they accomplished that glorious task and named the effort “Zobena Dziesma”. Metal bands often employ folk tunes just as a filler, as a stylistical trend or as an ornament to their music. However, seldom they carry out a recording like this. Skyforger have followed the traditional path from the very beginning, with their excellent “Semigalls Warchant” demo in which they already showed some interesting raids into folk music. Their passion has crystallized in this album and, the most important thing, they´ve succeeded in creating a lovely crafted collection of songs that drip ancient lore feeling under a correct execution. There are people who could think a metal band handling folk instruments and arrangements would sound awkwardly lousy; this case is rather different, the songs flow nicely and the whole thing is managed pretty well. The execution shows no mastery in kokle though, probably because the songs don´t need stravaganzas with the instrument; anyway the band displays a straight performance, always taking into account folk music is not about complex arrangements nor complicated licks. Usually traditional music is away from technical exhibitions, so most of the songs are based on repetitive patterns. Far from commercial arrangements, the spirit lives on. And it happens thus because of people like these guys who keep the flame alive and don´t forget their roots. If we spot the fact this album has been sponsored by the Culture Capital Foundation of Latvia, it´s pretty evident we´re not before a bunch of newcomers to the folk scene, but a well stablished band, so the commitment is granted. The booklet including lyrics in Latvian and their translations to English, as well as a tiny index of Latvian deities, adds a special highlight to this album. Pay homage to man, nature, tradition; honour a nation of freedom fighters. Hail the glorious past. Skyforger rule!
| Tracklist |
| 1. Sen Dzirdēju, Nu Ieraugu (Long I Heard, Now I see) |
| 2.Zobena Dziesma (Sword Song) |
| 3. Pārkiuns Vede Vedekļeņu (Perkons Brought The Bride) |
| 4. Gatavs Biju Karavīrs (Ready to be a Warrior) |
| 5. Apkārt Kalnu Gāju (Around the Hill I Went) |
| 6. Prūšu Meita Kara Jāja (Prussian Maid Rides to War) |
| 7. Aiziedams Pērkons Grauda (Pērkons Thundered As He Left) |
| 8. Sidrabiņa Upe Tek (A Silver River Flows) |
| 9. Migla Migla, Rasa Rasa (Oh Fog, Oh Dew) |
| 10. Zirgi Zviedza (The Horses Neighed) |
| 11. Kur Tu Jāsi, Bāleliņi? (Where Will You Ride, Brother?) |
| 12. Zviegtin' Zviedza Kara Zirgi (Neighed The Battle Horses) |
| 13. O Kai Saulute Tekejo (When The Sun Was Rising) |
| Bonus tracks: |
| 14. Pār Kalniņu Ūsiņš Jāj (Ūsiņš Rides Over The Hill) |
| 15. Cekulaina Zīle Dzied (A Crested Bird Sings) |
: 47.14
| Buy other Skyforger albums |
