CALADMOR
- Midwinter
Twilight Records
This release exceeded my expectations, offering more
than I initially anticipated. The label characterizes CALADMOR as folk/gothic
metal. While there are indeed folk elements present in their music, I would not
fully agree with the gothic designation solely based on the presence of a
female vocalist.
“Midwinter” can be best described as a folk/pagan
metal album that draws influences from bands such as FALCONER, ENSIFERUM,
BATHORY (particularly during their epic metal phase), SKYCLAD, and BLIND
GUARDIAN. The primary vocal role is performed by Barbara "Babs"
Brawand, whose crystal-clear voice imparts a fairy-tale quality to the
compositions. The album features moments where she performs duets with male
vocals that deliver a harsher vocal style, creating a balanced dynamic between
melody and intensity.
One aspect I particularly appreciated is the
prominence of the guitars, which play a leading role in the arrangements rather
than merely supporting folk melodies. This approach adds depth and strength to
the overall sound.
Considering that “Midwinter” is the band's debut, it
is a very beautiful and nearly complete release. It would benefit from greater
variety, but overall, it stands out as a strong start.
In conclusion, this is a noteworthy and well-crafted
album that merits attention. It’s certainly worth checking out, especially for
those interested in emerging bands within the folk/pagan metal genre.
Nick Parastatidis
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