REVIEW: FOLKODIA – Battlecry

 

FOLKODIA – Battlecry

Stygian Crypt Productions

Originally reviewed in 2010

FOLKODIA is a multinational project band born from the ranks of FOLKEARTH, another collective built on the same premise: musicians from across the globe joining forces to craft folk/Viking metal that channels the myths and legends of their homelands. The concept is undeniably intriguing—rich in cultural potential and epic in scope.

Yet, despite the promise, Battlecry, their third release, doesn’t quite break free from the genre’s well-worn patterns. While the album is far from poor, it rarely ventures beyond the expected. A handful of tracks do manage to rise above the fold: “Blood – Red Axes,” “The Celestial Giants,” “Invoking the Sidhe,” and “The Oath of Runes” (the latter featuring Rhode Rachel’s vocals that flirt with a BATHORY-esque aura). These moments succeed in evoking a sense of grandeur and nostalgia—an echo of a distant, heroic past.

The rest of the album, however, leans heavily on folk instrumentation, with the metal elements often reduced to mere rhythmic scaffolding. This imbalance is a recurring issue in the genre, and one that limits its expressive range. Personally, I’ve always found more value in a true musical conversation between the folk and metal elements—something bands like SKYCLAD and JETHRO TULL once mastered. That kind of interplay is sorely missed here.

To be fair, Battlecry will certainly appeal to die-hard fans of folk/Viking metal, especially those who revel in its thematic consistency and atmospheric depth. But for listeners seeking innovation or a fresh take, this album may feel too safe, too familiar.

In short, Battlecry is a decent release, but one that remains firmly within the genre’s comfort zone. It’s a record for the devoted, not the curious.

Nick  Parastatidis