Let me begin this review of SCALD‘s new release in a rather unconventional way, by referring to the promo text, whose closing statement from the band reads:
“Thanks to everyone who helps and supports us in these difficult times.
SCALD are beyond politics! Always were, always will be.”
Although I am generally not fond of apolitical statements, this one struck me as something quite different: the heartfelt and instinctive need of these Russian epic doomsters to protect their art from prejudice and ideological bias, allowing it to reach listeners around the world freely and unhindered.
Well, absolutely!
We are here to support and stand behind this kind of heavy metal — the kind that unites instead of divides, that genuinely seeks to bring people together, ever closer, through the timeless celebration of a universal language, a language both enchanting and invincible: the language of music.
And that brings me to the essence of “Relics”. Ancient and mysterious, powerful, emotional, savage, yet deeply melodic, its music is firmly rooted in the human spirit and speaks that universal language with remarkable eloquence.
Following two significant changes since the release of “Ancient Doom Metal” —which I also had the pleasure and honour to review, see here— SCALD return with an impressive EP.
Now working with a new label, Cruz del Sur, and introducing their new vocalist, Hrafn (aka Alexey Goryachev) from fellow Russian epic doom warriors VENDEL, the band unearthed several forgotten gems from their past in order to breathe new life into them. This marks a new chapter in SCALD‘s history, one that begins with a bold and courageous return to their roots. It may sound paradoxical, yet the past often serves as a vital source for redefining one’s identity while simultaneously providing a solid launching point towards the future.
The first three songs of the EP – “Master Of Tundra”, “Ravens”, and “Flame”– were written after the recording of the legendary 1997 debut, “Will Of The Gods Is Great Power”, somewhere between spring 1996 and fall 1997, the year Agyl died. At that point, the band chose to step away from traditional epic doom and, as an experiment, create songs with a more diverse style while still maintaining the original SCALD atmosphere.
When writing these three songs, SCALD were inspired by the work of the Norwegian Sami singer Mari Boine and in particular her album “Leahkastin”, together with the great works of progressive pioneers FATES WARNING and DREAM THEATER, as well as SANCTUARY’s monumental album “Into The Mirror Black”, and the magnificent singer Warrel Dane with his soulful vocals.
The influence of both traditional folk music and progressive metal is indeed unmistakable. “Master Of Tundra” is a breathtaking seven-and-a-half-minute epic, where massive riffs intertwine with folk textures, traditional choral passages and superb musical storytelling, making the song genuinely unforgettable.
“Ravens” follows the same path, delivering another six minutes of magnificent epic doom metal. Hrafn gives a truly outstanding vocal performance, while Harald and Karry weave magic with their guitars, supported by the rock-solid rhythm section of Velingor on bass and Ottar on drums and percussion. The result is a thoroughly captivating track that genuinely echoes another era while sounding completely contemporary.
The opening trilogy concludes with “Flame”, which unfolds magnificently through intricate arrangements, gentle lyrical passages, dramatic intensity and wonderfully expressive guitar work.
These songs had never been recorded in a studio before, but they were occasionally performed at SCALD concerts in the past. Fans from all over the world kept asking the band when they would finally record and release these songs. So here you go – this EP is for all of you who waited for it all these years! Your support is priceless and the release could not have happened with you!
The following track, “Falcon”, is a stunning composition where folk grandeur and epic majesty meet the crushing weight of doom to near perfection. The curtain falls with its Russian-language counterpart, “Sokol”, which is admittedly a very interesting version.
The song was written by Agyl for his pre-SCALD band called ROSS (aka POCC), in 1991-1992. To honor the memory of this great vocalist, SCALD decided to record a cover version of this song, and on “Relics”, in addition to the English version, they recorded it in Russian — the language Agyl performed it in.
If anyone wonders whether Hrafn manages to revive the spirit of the incomparable and dearly missed Agyl, the answer is a resounding yes – he succeeds beyond expectation.
SCALD‘s new EP runs for 25 minutes, excluding the Russian version of “Falcon”, “Sokol”. It is a thoroughly satisfying and immensely enjoyable release in every respect, and an absolute must-have for every fan of the genre.
“Relics” will be released on September 9th by Cruz del Sur on both CD and LP.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre-order both the CD and the LP here.
