Haggard
Awaking The Centuries

I start with the assumption that Haggard is one of the best Medieval Orchestral Metal bands in the world, but very little known in Italy.

"Awaking The Centuries" is perhaps the best album they have produced. The opening track, "Rachmaninov Choir", is nothing more than a rendition of Rachmaninov's splendid choir. "Pestilencia" takes us back thousands of years to the plague period in the Middle Ages, which is what the song talks about. The third track is the first of the album to feature always wonderful metal riffs, truly fitting and never cliché, starting with an intro of strings and harpsichord followed by lyrical choirs, but the entire atmosphere created is broken by the very harsh growl voice of the talented Asis Nasseri.

"The Final Victory" welcomes us with imposing staccato strings that precede the deep spoken voice of the singer, all before welcoming the roaring guitars, of course. Track number five grants us 56 seconds of relaxation with a passable melody of violins and cellos. Finally, we have reached the most beautiful track, which bears the name of the album: "Awaking The Centuries"; strings interpret a very nice and cheerful motif, the same motif is repeated with a delicate drum base as if it were some sort of "Medieval Pop" (it almost seems like a joke...), once again the piece is repeated but accompanied by a nice big electric guitar riff then everything is interrupted by a beautiful solo piano melody that very progressively leads to a roar of thrilling orchestral metal sounds, this song is appreciated in all its 9:33 minutes without ever boring.

"Statement Zur Lage Der Musica" is a small song sung, or rather narrated, in the band's mother tongue, German. "In A Fullmoon Procession" begins with strings and acoustic guitar arpeggios, followed by a pleasant piano melody, continuing until a growl scream and roaring guitars once again invoke metal with powerful and syncopated riffs.
Once again, Haggard delights us with a minuet that is track number 9, precisely called "Menuett" intro to the next track, which this time begins with flutes and clarinets, a very graceful melody and especially truly medieval, which as usual is fused with the heavier sound of metal. The album closes with "Courante", which is nothing more than a little minuet that seems to bid us farewell.

I recommend purchasing "on sight" even if I believe it is easier to have it on order.