CD review, May 09. Eluveitie - Evocation 1 - The Arcane Dominion (Nuclear Blast)

…and so on to another folk Metal outfit, this time hailing from Switzerland. Not being an aficionado of the genre I can still appreciate where Eluveitie stand in relation to some of their peers. This isn’t of the frenetic fretboard and kitchen sink variety, nor of the Metal stomping and beer affectation. Eluveitie specialize in a far truer folk sound, which in part is something I wouldn’t be shocked to hear in an Irish bar or on Radio 2 on a Sunday. I must admit I find it very relaxing and listenable. It fairly flows along with some beautiful female vocals and a steady but lively pace, bubbling with understated enthusiasm, yet still mystical and dark enough to retain the interest. While listening to this I just seem to think constantly of misty yet welcoming deep green forests! I’m not even sure if this would suit some of the more neanderthal instant gratification Metal types, being as it is largely acoustic and uncompromisingly mellow on occasion, the pay off is still constant. It’s not dragged down by demonic howling and Eluveitie very assuredly play to their strengths. Not particularly heavy or Metal, but still a very enjoyable listening experience.