Released in 2004, A Nordic Poem is the debut album from the multinational Folk Metal group known as Folkearth. Given there are so many contributions with such a multitude of musicians involved, from different vocal styles to the instrumentation this release as with their other albums is quite the amalgamation.
The short intro "The Pipes Are Calling" kicks A Nordic Poem off and as per the title the bagpipes are included. "Wolfsong In Moonlight" is the first full and heavy track, combining dark vocals with a male choir and folk instruments to catchy effect. "Horned Trolls And Mystical Folk" begins with a calm intro before the guitar riffs take over and growling vocals come into play. The tempo is dialed down for "Rhyming With Thunder" a heavy pounding track, "Eldritch Sorcery And Faery Runes" is one of the more complex numbers and sees the tempo sliding up and down. "In Odin's Court" is another slow folk rocker, "Storm Ravens Come" a peaceful track for a while that changes with the increasing momentum including hectic death metal styled drumming. "Gryningssang" an energetic folk number that sees the drums abandoned and "Gaelic Valor" is a powerful song with lots of combined vocals.
The short "Outro" brings A Nordic Poem to a climax, being a pleasant atmospheric instrumental but probably more suited to a futuristic Ayreon release than a Folk Metal album. A Nordic Poem was an impressive debut from Folkearth especially given the scale of the project that was undertaken.
Track Listing
1. (Intro) The Pipes Are Calling
2. Wolfsong In Moonlight(Fenris Unbound)
3. Horned Trolls And Mystical Folk
4. Rhyming With Thunder
5. Eldritch Sorcery And Faery Runes
6. In Odin’s Court
7. Storm Ravens Come
8. Gryningssang
9. Gaelic Valor
10. Outro
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