Valkyrian Music

Eluveitie

Evocation II: Pantheon

Released 18th August 2017

Folk/Acoustic

Released via Nuclear Blast

Swiss folk metallers Eluveitie are back with a new female singer and a new album. Now for those who have been following the band for some time, the name ‘Evocation’ will be familiar because the band has already released one album under that moniker back in 2009. What we have here is part two of that concept – ‘Evocation II: Pantheon’, which offers more acoustic folk tunes. So, for those who enjoyed the first ‘Evocation’ album, you’re in for a treat. If, like me, you prefer the more metal-oriented works such as ‘Slania’ then you might have a hard time adjusting to the lack of metal elements on here.

That’s not the only thing that makes this album stand out. Another feature I’ve noticed is the distinct lack of male vocals on here. As much I appreciate Fabienne Erni’s melodious vocal talents, I actually miss the dual vocal configuration with their frontman Chrigel Glanzmann’s harsh semi-growls providing a sharp contrast. Then again, that would make it more metal-sounding, which is clearly is not the aim here. No, this is definitely a folk album with tin whistles, acoustic guitars, bagpipes,harps etc. being the order of the day.

Epona caught my attention, as one of the catchiest songs on here. So catchy in fact that it makes you want to get up, dance and possibly even sing along. I honestly have no idea what the lyrics mean but that chorus has been stuck in my head for several days now! There’s quite a few purely instrumental tracks on here too, all bearing that distinctive Celtic feel to them due to the tin whistles and harps. Lvgvs sounds like Eluveitie’s rendition of the Breton drinking song ‘Son ar chistr’. And what a great job they did on it. Yet there’s more to ‘Evocation II’ than just drinking songs and catchy folk tunes; there are a few more sombre songs on here as well such as the Cernvnnos, and the beautiful Artio which really shows off Erni’s vocal talents. Then there is Cavtrix which includes some rather creepy-sounding war chants and drumming as if to mimic the eve of a battle. Last but not least I want mention Ogmios, which sounds like a new, re-lyricized acoustic version of one of the tracks from their earlier albums.

In summary, the clue is in the name – ‘Evocation II: Pantheon’ is a logical continuation of where the first ‘Evocation’ album left off. It’s all folk music with not even the slightest hint of metal. So if you enjoyed the first ‘Evocation’ album then you’re bound to like this. Personally I liked some of songs but after listening through to all eighteen tracks of acoustic folk, I really missed the sounds of an electric guitar and harsh growling. Good work Eluveitie! How about a metal album next time?

3.5/5

Iza Raittila

This entry was posted on 12th August 2017 at 12:33 pm and is filed under Review with tags Acoustic, Eluveitie, Folk music. 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.