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If you are unfamiliar with Folkearth they have been putting out metal for several years (since 2004) with “Father Of Victory” being their forth album under their belt, all in the folk/Viking metal range. One of the more interesting traits about Folkearth is the makeup of the band.
The lineup for this opus has twenty members from several different countries. These include the countries of Greece, United States, France, Wales, Lithuania, Italy, and England. All of the members are experienced musicians and hail from their own endeavors. When their traits are combined you get a band with a similar vibe of bands like Vintersorg, Thyrfing, Einherjer, Cruachan, Otyg, Forefather, etc.
Collaboration with this many musicians from numerous different countries is impressive. Even more impressive is the amazing list of instruments that these men and women play: violin, flute and Irish flute, whistle and tin whistle, gaita (bagpipe), small pipes, cello, accordion, alto and soprano recorders, Celtic harp, programming, and of course guitars, bass, keys and drums. So how many of your favorite bands have this many instruments? Probably none!
The mood set by these instruments is spread throughout “Father Of Victory.” You will find yourself nodding to the music along with the vibrant leads and galloping guitar riffs. Vocals are another dynamic part to the band. Clean, blackened, and female vocals are used all at different stints, from using one to layering multiple vocal styles, including regional vocal stylings, and choral chanting.
“Father Of Victory” from start to finish lasts over fifty-one minutes and is divided up into twelve tunes. I don’t really have much negative to say about the album. Every track has its highlights and personally I dug “The Will Of Odin” the most. However, a few noticeable parts almost seem as if they rushed the recording a bit. If these few parts took the advantage of recording another take, I think I would find myself enjoying this album more. What is on this album isn’t low quality, it’s more has an unpolished feel. Not raw like some black metal bands, but free-range. So maybe a little tightening would help?
Being a fan of folk metal and related genres I definitely liked “Father Of Victory”. It isn’t my favorite album by Folkearth, but it’s another solid example of folk/Viking metal and if you are a fan like I am, then I wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up in your metal collection.
Rating: 82
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins