Elvenking
The Scythe
Band: Elvenking
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Not too sure about the folk label on this one, as it is just basically a violin over the top of a modern melodic metal style.
As soon as album opener "The Scythe" started, I must say I had high hopes for this one. They have lost all but the faintest of folk influences, and opted for a more radio-friendly Emo-tinged melodic style, which is obvious throughout the whole album. They also use a background "guttural" shriek, which something they should definitely utilize more often. The thing is the majority of the tracks start off great, albeit whether it’s fast paced and exciting or the slower prominent violin driven songs. Soon however, you’re greeted with sing along choruses that you can only find with the modern wave of Emo bands. A prime example of this is on "Death and Suffering", it starts with something that could be taken from a Melo-Death album and then it goes onto something more like My Chemical Romance (only a million times better). Credit due though for changing direction away slightly from what has gained them great acclaim on previous albums, and trying something new. There are some decent moments on here though, which has definitely got me a little frustrated, as you can clearly see what they are capable of. "A Riddle of Stars" is a notable one, and "Totentanz" is a particularly impressive acoustic and "folky" instrumental with a narrative. Overall, "The Scythe" is a modern sounding album which wouldn’t be at all out of place on rock/metal TV and Radio. Chris Rogers
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