Eluveitie, Alestorm, Turisas, Diablo Swing Orchestra, The Pogues – to this list of bands giving us rumbustuous romps add Scythia from Canada. Folk metal is their speciality, judging by this 7 track EP, which comprises three re-mixes of previously recorded material. From this fact it could be concluded that this is a transitional work, which in a way it is as “For the Bear” is intended to cut away a more produced sound in favour of a new direct and exciting style. Given the all-embracing nature ofScythia’s songs, then there has to be some preconceived production and there is, but the good news is that they are successful in creating the “live” style that they are looking for.
“’Twas Fifteen Hundred and Sixteen, the Year of our Lord, when we set sail …” is the unremarkable beginning of the opener, “Sailor’s Accolade”. Drinking and tales of staring into the unknown follow. Of course there’s nothing new about that but it’s a jolly nice folk metal song which will have you dancing round the imaginary maypole. It stops momentarily before a short frenetic spurt at the end. But don’t be deceived. There’s an ingredient on this album which makes it more original and deeper than might appear to be the case at first. This ingredient is the oboe. From the second track “Fierce Riders of Scythia”, this willowy-sounding instrument appears and adds whispering melancholy when it’s not joining in the jolly japes. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of theatrical excitement, hey-nonny-nonny, what-shall-we-do-with a drunken-sailor opportunities to join in with. Yes, you can join in the chorus, have a drink “For the Bear” and sing about the black death and plague.
What I at first thought was Irish is in fact the lively adaptation of a Quebecois folk song. Life pours out of “Mattawa Reel”, which has the added flavours of Planxty and Mike Oldfield. The structure of all these songs make them almost progressive in their nature, none more so than “Dies Irae Pt 1”, which was my favourite on this all-too-short 27 minute fantasy. To begin, the oboe joins in with the rampant and driving metal – definite shades of Diablo Swing Orchestra, I’d say. It’s heavy with an air of danger. This atmospheric piece slows down and the oboe takes over, generating overwhelming sadness. We can’t stand still though. Dark and theatrical vocals intervene. The lyrics are blood-curdling. The oboe then leads the way in a pulsating passage to end. The last track of this album is “Video Game Medley”, which at first sight sounded ghastly, butScythiastick mercifully to that all-embracing style with discreet elements of video games peering through. It’s more like an abstract painting of a colourful and seemingly chaotic video game scenario. In common with the rest of “For the Bear”, it goes beyond the overt theme.
Scythiatranscend tradition and pure genre here. It’s so recognisable as to be in the comfort zone but the band manage to mix it up, and in doing so generate excitement, motion and enjoyment. The key musical and artistic point for me here in this fiery, theatrical and at times thoughtful folk metal fest is the boundless creativity. I therefore propose a toast for the bear!
8.5 / 10 Andrew Doherty
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