Again, in this article I will be reviewing five of the best tracks I have heard, all in the metal genre.
P.S: Check the first previous article > Great “Fresh” Metal Tracks I < for tracks 1 to 5.
-
6.
Arkona – Zov Bitvy (4:07)
Arkona (Аркона) is a Slavonic pagan folk metal band from Russia. Their lyrics are heavily influenced by Russian folklore and Slavic mythology, and their music incorporates several traditional Russian musical instruments. The band was founded in 2002 and as of January 2007 they have published five albums, one demo, one compilation and one concert DVD (from Last.fm).
Yes from Russia, Arkona is today a big name associated with folk metal and precisely Slavic metal. The lyrics of this tracks are all in Russian language so don’t expect to understand the lyrics unless you know the language or translate them. That said the lyrics are not what grabs your attention when you hear this track; what gets your attention is the fast tempo power folk metal from start to end with the blend of folk instruments, some extreme metal riffs and lots of growling. Arkona easily falls out of the norm and the standard genres, successfully merging all and reaching international fame.
-
7.
Diablo Swing Orchestra – Balrog Boogie (3:52)
Diablo Swing Orchestra is a Swedish avant-garde metal band. The band was formed in 2003 (from Last.fm).
This track is from their first album “The Butcher’s Ballroom”. Diablo Swing Orchestra is highly regarded for its the festive and swing blend of music with the dark side of metal. This track is full of fanfare music that takes you to the fifties and reminds you of the huge balls of the rich. Surprisingly the lyrics do not complete the effect of the music but stand alone mostly as independent concept.
-
8.
Sieges Even – The Weight (10:11)
Sieges Even was a progressive rock/metal band from Munich, Germany. The band was originally formed under the name Sodom (not to be confused by fellow German band Sodom) in the early 80s and released their first demo in 1983 before becoming Sieges Even in 1985.
The only constant members of Sieges Even were brothers Oliver Holzwarth (Blind Guardian) and Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire, ex-Avantasia, ex-Angra) who performed bass and drums respectively with original guitarist Markus Steffen (from Last.fm).
Forget what you heard from progressive rock/metal and open your mind for something new. Sieges Even are not Dream Theater and they don’t even try to sound like them or any other progressive band. This track in particular is very unique from start to end; it starts with an aggressive metal riff and suddenly shift to mellow psychedelic guitar chords and back to the riff unexpectedly. Guitarist add their melodic lines to the song but the most noticeable players on this track are the bass guitarist and the drummer which don’t disappoint at any second. I am sure bassists and drummers will mostly enjoy this track.
-
9.
Hollenthon – Conspirator (7:23)
Hollenthon is an Austrian symphonic metal band formed in 1994 in Vienna by Martin Schirenc of death metal band Pungent Stench (from Last.fm).
I haven’t heard the entire album containing this track but for now I’m pretty much satisfied with this track only. It’s a bit different from what’s usually described as dark metal; the vocals are all growls with background soprano female vocals assisting with creepy high pitch and symphonic violins that only misses the creaking door to complete the ambiance. It ends with an epic chorus repeated along a fabulous symphonic part. This track is very catchy and suits any Halloween party anytime.
-
10.
Deadsoul Tribe – Goodbye City Life (8:25)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DddF6GgWgV8
