So what can a relatively new band bring to an already overcrowded folk metal field, other than more tin whistles played at break-neck speed? Well, fortunately, there is frankly so much dross that anything half-decent shines like a beacon in the dark, pagan night. Playing well and with conviction is a good start and enough to set a band apart. Then it’s often useful to come up with some songs that don’t sound just like everyone else’s.
Heidra have a drinking horn full of such inspiration. Heavy guitars, solid, gruff vocals, nice galloping bass lines and some extremely rousing, epic, clean singing that fleetingly comes in during choruses. From the opening chords of first track Kinsmen, it’s obvious that Heidra have got something to add. Named after a track from Windir’s 1184 (meaning ‘honoured’) they are not exactly hiding their influences but the song writing is original to the extent that, while not exactly revolutionary, Sworn to Vengeance still feels like a breath of fresh air all the same.
A dip into the Danes’ back catalogue (an initial demo in 2008 and an extended full-length version released last year called Northern Tales – all self-released) reveals the same levels of consistency. But this three track EP is a step on in terms of production values and depth. Repeated listens pay off and it’s all superbly executed. I can’t imagine what impact a full length would have if they can keep this up (‘Jesus, this guy is a lost cause,’ say our non pagan metal-loving readers…). The high point is the excellent final track Where Darkness Dwells which brings together all the best elements of the first two tracks in a mixture of folk, black metal and power metal in a stirring finish. It makes me wonder why they’ve not already been snapped up by labels – labels that seem to sign any band prepared to slap on war paint and a loin cloth.
I only hope Heidra manage to cut through the crap and get themselves known a little better. There are so many bands out there with fur skinned warriors on the front cover of their records. But then again it doesn’t seem to have slowed down the genre’s popularity even now. Too many bands and labels have cashed in and too many undiscerning fans have willingly bought in to less than average bands. If only more bands were this good I think the whole thing might have a bit more credibility and we might have a game on our hands. Unfortunately, until then, there’s going to be a lot of sifting though nonsense to find the odd gem. An ‘8’ because it’s only three tracks but I was sorely tempted to go higher. Now excuse me, I need to go and sing along to some decent pagan metal… ‘In a land torn apart, ruled by the endless night… a lonely fire still burns bright!’
(8/10 Reverend Darkstanley)
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