Fellow Steemians, it has been quite some time since my last entry, and for this I must apologize. These past couple of weeks have been very trying to say the least, but I am back, and with a folk metal-induced vengeance. It took some time to reestablish a spark within me, one large enough to feel inspired. And now that time has come. This time around I am going to introduce to you a folk metal band that I have just barely begun to explore myself, so bear with me if this post doesn't contain as much information. I am using the best resources possible to provide the best possible information of the group within this volume.
And now, it is my pleasure to introduce to you a band that caught my attention as a result of my inner nerd. Let me ask you a few questions.... do you enjoy fantasy lore? Any form of folklore in fact? Are you, perhaps, a J.R.R. Tolkein fan? Well, well.... you're in luck. It just so happens that much of this band's music is based around the works of Tolkein, including but not limited to The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Silmarillion and more.
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Steemians, metal heads and metal noobs alike, I give to you....
Battlelore
Founded in 1999, the name was derived from a mash-up of the words "battle" and "folklore". Their lyrical prowess delve mainly into inspiration from the works of Tolkein, and their stage garb (as well as their live performances) are heavily influenced by all manners of fantasy literature, making the musical subject matter very fitting indeed. After twelve long years of activity as a band, they took a 5 year hiatus, following their tour in support of their 2011 album, "Doombound". And then, in January of 2016, they announced that they would be playing at Metal Female Voices Fest XIII, due to take place this month (October).
Starting from humble beginnings in their homeland of Lappeenranta, a city and municipality located on the shore of the lake Saimaa in South-Eastern Finland (just 19 miles from the Russian border), the band was founded by guitarist Jyri Vahvanen and original bassist Miika Kokkola, whom has since been replaced by current bassist Timo Honkanen (who was, believe it or not, a former tour roadie for the band). The band released their first demo, "Warrior's Tale", the same year they formed, and ultimately attracted the attention of the infamous folk metal-based record label from Austria, Napalm Records, following the release of their second demo, "Dark Fantasy", in late 2000. At the request of the label, they recorded an untitled 3-song demo before being officially signed.
What really allows Battlelore to stand out among other folk metal acts is the fact that their musical and lyrical content are of a specific variety, much like the content-specific Alestorm with their "pirate metal" background.... only in this case, Battlelore's music particularly takes place in Middle Earth rather than the high seas! Masterfully blending melodic death metal with folk metal, and some hints of symphonic metal, they really are an "everyman" band, with spices of different instrumental variety for everyone. They tend to use a "beauty and the beast" vocal tactic, with their female vocalist Kaisa Jouhki swooning the listener with melodic and clean vocals, while their male vocalist Tomi Mykkanen using a terrifying death metal style growl which rings true to the intensity of their instrumental palate.
Their live appearances, musically and visually alike, are no boring experience either. While they tend to surpass the standard for live musicianship, their stage appearance captivates the audience as well, with some members dressed as ferocious warriors, some as dirty thieves and beggars, and some as beautiful, regal and enchanting elves.... which once again coincide with the nature of their music and lyrics. Also, their musical influences span from far and wide, ranging from legends such as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and W.A.S.P. to more recent metal powerhouses such as Bolt Thrower, Emperor, Morbid Angel and Zakk Wylde. If there is ever a band that you are in search of to ease you into the near-limitless world of metal, these guys (and girls) should be among the top of your list! For further convincing, please enjoy the following songs I have carefully selected below for your listening pleasure. It's good to be back Steemit! Stay metal. \m/
"Fangorn", from their debut album, "... Where the Shadows Lie" (2002)
"Of Orcs and Elves", from their third album, "Third Age of the Sun" (2005)
"House of Heroes", from their fourth album, "Evernight" (2007)
"Green Dragon", from their fifth album, "The Last Alliance" (2008)
P.S.: Behind in this epic folk metal journey? Haveth you no fear, my brave lads and fair lasses! Below herest be all the previous volumes! Enjoy!
Introduction - Korpiklaani and Tyr
/@damiancraymond/folk-metal-and-why-it-s-the-perfect-gateway-drug-to-metal-music
Part 1 - Alestorm
/@damiancraymond/folk-metal-a-z-part-1-alestorm
Part 2 - Arkona