My introduction to new medieval folk troupe Ravenhymn was at Warhorns Festival and I think it’s fair to say it wasn’t the best introduction. With backing tapes and other miscalculations and misfortunes it was no doubt a bit frustrating for the band, and for me too as frankly as I noted they were clearly fine musicians. Something was off. It happens to everyone one time or another.
Which is why it was a bit of a surprise, but a bit of a delight too, to have this EP sent to us and of course I took it. A now full line-up, which includes lots of drums, flute, whistle, bagpipes and a nice dose of heavy guitar is promised. So off we travel with a quartet of traditional medieval songs marinated in the Ravenhymn way.
‘Ai Vis Lo Lop’ (I Saw The Wolf)’ begins with the chant of “I saw the wolf, the fox and the hare…” to simple drum and bass accompaniment. Then a little intake of breath and the guitars start, the pipes rise and frankly it’s a beautiful sound. The pipes are full of life and sorrow for the fate of the peasant, the guitar adds a nice, dark and modern edge but not out of character in the slightest and the harmony vocals are just spot on. See? I knew there was something about this lot fighting to get out. This is oddly most definitely a folk band who have a good heavy guitar in their otherwise traditional line-up, not a folk metal band and that is all to the good. It’s a great balance of sound indeed.
‘Levan Polka’ is a Finnish tune apparently (great notes sent with the EP). Aye I know some people may have had it with polkas, whilst others can’t get enough, but again their balance of a very traditional medieval/folk troupe with just the one electric guitar just adds a little dimension, a heft for sure but perhaps a reaching into the present day to hook you in. Or maybe I’m waffling. But it’s what I feel.
Thirdly ‘Skuderinka Wassail’ (Macedonian, apparently) is a burly drinking song. Sounds like large gentlemen with large beards and foam spraying as they jig about. Ah it’s a jaunty, but muscular sound indeed.
Lastly ‘Totus Floreo’ is from the classical piece that half the metal-heads on the planet either know or own, ‘Carmina Burana’ (and to those of us of a certain age, aftershave adverts and Excalibur). The whistle and flute and guitar, the combined vocals are exemplary and there’s a yearning to the melody for me (I guess appropriate as it celebrates true beauty.) Frankly it’s just rich and gorgeous. A fitting end.
There you have it. A short EP that genuinely showcases what Ravenhymn are about and actually sound like. Their desire to let out what they knew they had within is kinda one of those things that makes reviewing so fun.
Medieval sounds, a touch of the modern; if it sounds like your thing then seriously pay them a visit eh?
Well done people.
(8/10 Gizmo)
Leave a Reply