Elvenking
Wyrd

After the very interesting showing with their debut "Heathenreel," Elvenking finally release the anticipated second album "Wyrd," once again embodying the original mix of folk and power metal, somewhere between the heroes Skyclad and the classic European power school. Repeating the feat of the debut was certainly not easy, also considering the loss of the charismatic singer Damnagoras (here worthily replaced by the new Kleid), but it can safely be said that the group managed to surpass themselves. Acoustic breaks, flutes, violins, female vocal contributions, even some occasional growl passages by guitarist Jarpen; these are the ingredients at the heart of the flavorful recipe of "Wyrd."

The exquisite intro "The Loser's Ball" introduces us to the new work, immersing us in the magical medieval atmosphere that accompanies us throughout the album's duration. The average level is quite high, and pointing out the best tracks is a daunting task; the group performs convincingly both in more folk-oriented moments (like "The Silk Dilemma," "Moonchariot," "The Perpetual Knot") as well as in more aggressive and metallic instances where the rhythm section and guitars increase the pace ("Disappearing Sands," "Midnight Circus").

Elvenking, already by the second album, demonstrate remarkable stylistic and compositional maturity and provide ample evidence of it over the 11 tracks of the album (9 plus 2 bonus in the limited edition in my possession), spectacularly highlighting their talent in what is probably the album's peak: the closing track, the long and captivating "A Poem For The Firmament," 12 minutes full of variations but always well-focused, a true concentrate of this band's musical conception.

After "Heathenreel," they were under scrutiny and presented themselves at the appointment of the second album in great shape. A class act by a band that manages to distinguish themselves brilliantly, on the Italian scene and beyond.