Valkyrian Music

Knaat
Die Lichtung
Released October 2012
Pagan Metal/ Folk Metal
Self-Released

‘Die Lichtung’ is the debut album from the German pagan metal band Knaat. According to their own statement, the band follows in the tradition of folk metal bands such as Equilibrium, Eluveitie, Korpiklaani and Ensiferum.

So after an ‘Intro’ akin to that of the opening credits to a battle scene in some epic movie, we enter folk metal territory with title track ‘Die Lichtung’ causing Knaat to sound like a Germany’s answer to Korpiklaani. It’s accordions galore with some equally catchy metal guitar riffs mixed in along with symphonic keyboards added for that “Ensiferum- twist”. However, it’s not all about the folk instruments, as ‘Unter Heiligen Hufen’ proves that these guys are also skilled guitarists offering some great solos to accompany the vocals and keyboards.

Then it’s time to hit the local tavern for some much needed refreshments as ‘Schenkentanz Intro’ and ‘Schenkentanz’ set the scene for a big feast with a catchy folk metal soundtrack to match. Yes, ‘Schenkentanz’ is one of those infectiously catchy tracks that will have you attempting some random polka dance moves whilst in the middle of a mosh-pit. ‘Sturm auf Windhelm’ features some flutes mixed in with the guitars creating a pleasant sounding blend of folk and metal. Another noteworthy tracks include: the accordion-laden ‘Spielmann’, which is the closest this band come to matching the speed and overall style of their fellow countrymen Equilibrium; and the final chapter of this release ‘Nordmannen’ offering more of the same catchy folk metal with some funny chanting towards end.

So if you’re a fan of Korpiklaani don’t let this album pass you by!

4/5

Iza Raittila

Related articles

• Knaat debut album “Die Lichtung” out Oct. 13th 2012 (valkyrianmusic.com)
• Mongol – The Altan Urug (valkyrianmusic.com)
• Heidevolk confirmed for closing weekend of Jorvik Viking Festival (valkyrianmusic.com)
• Avven present the “EOS project” (valkyrianmusic.com)

This entry was posted on 10th October 2012 at 6:25 pm and is filed under Review with tags Eluveitie, Ensiferum, Korpiklaani, Pagan Metal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.