About.com Rating

Forming twelve years ago, Switzerland’s Eluveitie set out to combine melodic death metal with folk metal melodies. The band released two stellar albums out of the gate, especially the critically acclaimed Slania. The band has returned with their sixth release Origins.

The band has been prolific, releasing new material approximately every two years. The band is led by vocalist and founder Chrigel Glanamann and has had a fairly consistent lineup over the years.

Origins finds the band bringing in new members Rafael Salzmann (guitars) and Nicole Ansperger (violin). Both members meld their talents to the songwriting process and make their contributions heard throughout.

Eluveitie do an amazing job of adding diversity to a genre that can sometimes veer towards monotony. The band skillfully balances different genres as they combine melodic death metal, folk and Celtic influences blended with some gorgeous melodies.

The record features one of their most aggressive songs with the melodic death metal track “Sucellos.” A down tuned ultra heavy guitar riff is backed with a ferocious blast beat while vocalist Glanzmann annihilates the melody with his excellent guttural vocals.

The record also includes the Within Temptation inspired “The Call of the Mountains,” probably the most radio friendly, catchiest song they have written to date. The song features a chorus to die for as Anna Murphy handles the lead vocals and she lets her glorious voice shine. This track is addictive and one I cannot get enough of.

Eluveitie harken back to their debut record Spirit with the campfire inspired “Celtos.” The violin, bagpipes and the hurdy gurdy take on a large role to establish the music as the two vocalists do an excellent job of harmonizing their beauty and beast style vocals.

The aggression is ratcheted up on the release, as at times the band brings an increased intensity to the proceedings. Songs like “The Silver Sister”, “Carry the Torch” and “From Darkness” all travel at a fast velocity while the vocals are spewed forth with an added hostility.

Folk metal is an acquired taste and one either has a passion for it or can’t understand the unique instrumentation and ye olde melodies. Even though there is a lot of death metal influence throughout, the style is very particular. The band does attempt some mainstream moments like on the previous mentioned “Call of the Mountains” and the beautiful landscape melodies of “Vianna,” but overall Eluveitie stay true to their original vision that was firmly established twelve years ago.

The band hasn’t sounded this revitalized since their astounding sophomore release Slania. After a string of releases that didn’t live up to what the band had already established with their first two releases, Origins is a huge step back in the right direction. The band continues to put themselves toward the top of the folk metal genre along with Ensifrum, Equilibrium and Elvenking.

(released August 5^th, 2014 on Nuclear Blast Records)