Italy: Elvenking (Metal)

Location: Sacile (Pordenone), Italy (1997 – present);

Genres: Melodic Power/Folk Metal;

Current line-up: Gorlan (bass); Symohn (drums); Aydam (guitars); Rafahel (guitars); Damna (vocals); Lethien (violin);

“ELVENKING may be the heroes of folky power metal! Certainly, no other band of this genre has evolved so much during the last couple of years and kept its individualism intact, but their 6th album “Red Silent Tides” is now set to prove that there’s still more in the box we weren’t expecting!

With the addition of highly-acclaimed producer Dennis Ward, who was responsible for the mix, ELVENKING have introduced an 80’s like hard rock element that matches perfectly with the folky power metal that they are known for and the result is their most mature album to date, a record that that will solidify the status of the band immensely. Tracks like powerful opener “Dawnmelting” are unmistakably ELVENKING, so are “Runereader” and the furious “Your Heroes Are Dead”. But the anthemic “The Cabal” then arrives right from where their hit “The Divided Heart” left off in 2007, and it’s one of the standout and ultimately wonderfully creative moments of the album which proves that this band not only has a grievous heart but also a more commercial potential, with this track being chosen as the band’s first video clip.

The Divided Heart from The Scythe (2007)

Red Silent Tides has other facets too: songs like “Possession”, “The Last Hour” and “What’s Left Of Me” will undoubtedly surprise; the sweetness of Hard Rock fusing beautifully with the power of the heavier moments, but honestly, this is exactly what we expect from this band and the fact that they have undoubtedly delivered their most mature(d) album to date should not be ignored.

The Last Hour from Red Silent Tides (2010)

Since 1997, Italian metal pioneers ELVENKING have been an active part of the European scene steadily building a rapidly growing cult fan-base and performing around Europe, in both their home country, Budapest (where a strong set at the Sziget gathering several years ago had people talking for months), and the UK where the band appeared at the legendary Bloodstock Festival with ex Skyclad / Sabbat singer Martin Walkyier (in 2002) and at Metalfest in Dudley (2009) where the band walked away with the joint ‘Band Of The Festival’ prize sharing the spoils with Brainstorm.

Pagan Purity from Heathenreel (2001)

The band debuted on record in 2001 with the excellent "Heathenreel", but this would only be the beginning. Spreading mystic tales of fantasy and imagination to a wider audience, that album proved that their mixture of epic power metal and frisky folk was capable of instantly grabbing attention and was a lot more focused and real than many. "Wyrd", the band's second album was released in 2004, followed by another showcase of their musical individuality, "The Winter Wake", unleashed in 2006; but it was probably “The Scythe” (released in 2007) that became their biggest success so far and set the band on the current path.

The Scythe from The Scythe (2007)

Not only did they dare to enhance their unique sound with some more dark/modern elements (to the delight of many), but with its strikingly bold track “The Divided Heart” they presented a high class video clip that has grabbed the attention of over one million (!) viewers on the internet, a feat that continues to this day. Their semi-acoustic 2008 follow up to “The Scythe”, “Two Tragedy Poets (...And A Caravan Of Weird Figures)” displayed their folk roots like never before and provided the band with their first European headlining tours and biggest festival bookings such as Summer Breeze but for 2010, the band has decided to return to full electric power again whilst still proving that this band has another key ace up its sleeve.

The Cabal from Red Silent Tides (2010)

 

The new album clearly shows where this band stands today. “Red Silent Tides” is a journey full of poetry, melancholy and bitter sweetness, but without any kind of lethargy or tackiness. It’s poetry that rocks!”

Discography:

2000 - To Oak Woods Bestowed (Demo)

2001 - Heathenreel (Full-length)

2004 - Wyrd (Full-length)

2006 – The Winter Wake (Full-length)

2007 - The Scythe (Full-length)

2008 - From Blood to Stone (Single)

2008 - Two Tragedy Poets (...And a Caravan of Weird Figures) (Full-length)

2010 - Red Silent Tides (Full-length)

You can find more information on their official website, and follow them on Myspace, Facebook and YouTube.