I really didn’t used to like Scottish Bagpipes. Actually, to say I merely didn’t like them is a bit of an understatement, they were probably my least favourite instrument ever, disliked even more than trombone or saxophone, such was my negative experiences with them over the years. But Skiltron changed all that a few years back, showing how this former instrument of torture could actually be used in a melodic and innovative way rather than just screeching away outside Edinburgh Castle. It was a real eye-opener for me and now I own just about everything Skiltron and also Triddana have recorded. So it was with genuine, almost surprising enthusiasm that I awaited this new album by these Argentinian Folk Metallers (who are now based in Finland).
Since 2016’s impressively bombastic “Legacy Of Blood”, new drummer Joonas Nilsin is now in the ranks, with another noteworthy addition – new vocalist Paolo Ribaldini, bringing with him a slightly different vocal approach to his predecessors. Ribaldini (also the new singer for Hard Rock band Leverage) is a singer just as comfortable in the Melodic Rock register as he is with a more Power Metal slant, both of which get plenty of airtime on “Bruadarach”. Personally I love Skiltron when they are at their most Folk/Power Metal, throwing plenty of Running Wild-esque guitar and bagpipe lines at the songs. I’m immediately rewarded with a RW style intro, which segues into it’s equally energetic first track proper ‘As We Fight’, which is a great way to start to the album. Later on the instrumental ‘Turadh’ as well as ‘Rob Roy’ and ‘Haste Ye Back’ keep the energy levels galloping and are probably my personal highlights of the album. There’s a couple of powerful, more mid-paced tracks too that Skiltron do very well, mixing guitar and bagpipe melodies excellently as Ribaldini flexes his melodic muscles impressively – as he does throughout the album.
The alarm bells of personal taste now start to ring however as the band begin to introduce more and more 80’s influenced Arena Rock/AOR type vocal lines on ‘I Am What I Am’, which just about redeems itself with a great tin whistle middle section. This continues on ‘The Battle is My Own’ and ‘A Treasure Beyond Imagination’, both of which have just enough Celtic/folk influences to counter the AOR style vocal melody lines, the latter utilising tin whistle expertly once more and also clearly being a love song with some quite heartfelt lyrics to make it more endearing. ‘Proud To Defend’ however is step too far for me, hurtling way past Big Country into Runrig territory with a whiff of 80’s Slade, but all these more commercial tracks are very well executed both musically and vocally so they might just win the band a few more fans who have a more melodic lilt. Lyrically Skiltron’s Scottish brethren will be very impressed with all the positive references to Scotland throughout, a place the band have played live a lot over the years and this album is chock-full of more anthems to get the Highland crowds stomping. The variation of Metal on “Bruadarch” is probably the largest Skiltron have incorporated in their career so far and the new line-up suits the band’s style very well. There’s plenty to please old and new fans, pushing the band’s sound into slightly newer territories with intelligent arrangements and great musicianship. The infectious quality I like about Skiltron is still there in spades and this is certainly another very credible step forward in their career.
(8/10 Andy Barker)
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