Here is some super pleasant and fun Folk/medieval/’renaissance ‘ metal from France that has traditional instruments like Accordions, Bohas (courtesy of Skiltron’s Pierre Delaporte) Hurdy-gurdys and Tabor Pipes, traditional Gascon language, as well as some actual medieval tunes as bonus tracks on the CD.

Now, this isn’t your expected folk metal, meaning it’s not your Finnish styled blackened power metal with blast beats and harsh vocals – this is more laid back and hard rock, heavy/power metal-based and has more in common with the likes of Skiltron, Salatio Mortis or In Extremo . All clean vocals, (some gorgeously layered I might add) and all very catchy and happy.

La Hahla (‘Solstice fire’) starts really strong with 4 super catchy, bouncy tracks in ” Lo pèla pòrc”, the rousing march of “Novempopulania”, more power metal paced “Suu camin estelat” (with a killer little late song jig) and one of my personal favorites “Xivalièr de Sentralha”. “Rei de Suèda (Sveriges Kung)” slows things down with an almost 9 minute slower, mid paced number. “La Sicolana” is another mid paced, moodier track, and I’m pretty sure I hear Pet Shop Boys’ “It’s a Sin” late in the track, but that could just be me.

“Abelion” and “Libertat” pick the pace back up with more upbeat higher energy numbers with the gorgeous “Un darrèr còp” sandwiched in between before the 10-minute closer “Milharis” delivers a varied 10-minute endnote.

The bonus tracks here are pretty cool, and I think they they are a classical song  (“Vive Henry VI!”) , 3 interpretations of traditional  Gascony poems, and one cover (“Adishatz” a l’ouzoum cover). They add a really nice authentic air to the already cool-sounding unique, medieval tone, and results in a pretty unique album and band I’ll be seeking out more from.

[Visit the band's website]

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