Scythia | …Of Exile
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
If you are looking for something a bit different, you might want to give Scythia a listen. Blending elements of folk and progressive metal, Scythia’s latest release tells an epic tale of warriors, kings, cursed swords and great battles, and tells it well.
Formed back in 2008, Scythia’s five-person line up not adds the oboe (referred to as “oboe of death” in the band’s promo literature) to its instrumental arsenal, as well as many sound effects between tracks. This Canadian quintet’s music is a mix of keyboard and oboe driven folk music combined with solid progressive metal, and features everything from sound effects to spoken passages. Taking its name from the ancient Euro-Asian empire, Scythia also pulls in some ancient and medieval melodies and performs them in a modern setting. The heavy use of keyboards and oboe server to enhance the “old” fell of the release. …Of Exile is the follow up release to the band’s 2010 debut album …Of War, and both albums were produced and engineered by the well-respected Shaun Thingvold.
Fronted by the voice and guitars of Dave Khan (who is also the primary songwriter), Scythia strives for a unique sound. Khan’s voice is a little thin at times, but he delivers when it counts and works very well as both a storyteller and musician. Nicely done harmonies and crystal clear lyric delivery only serve to highlight his tight and simple guitar work. Celine Derval is the primary female vocalist and drummer. Her voice, though not as prominent as Khan’s is just as clear, and her drumming is passionate and matches the tone of each track well. The keyboards of Scott Thompson and oboe of Morgan Zentner are key players in developing the medieval sound of Scythia’s music, and do tend to dominate the many passages that they perform – also appropriate to the music’s folk style. Bassist Terry Savage does a good job in working with both the drums and lead instruments, although the bass seems to be mixed a bit low throughout. Savage also does a good job as a backing vocalist.
“Prelude” is a solid opening track, making liberal use of the oboe and harmony vocals. It sets up the story of the wrongly deposed king and his followers, and really is the Scythia sound in a nutshell. The good vocal performances, tight instrumentation and well-crafted melodies stared here continue throughout the balance of the CD. Other musical highlights include the martial tone and slick guitar and bass work on “Spirit Of The Quest;” the hauntingly beautiful instrumental “Sleeping Village;” the amazing coordination of obo and guitar of “Fallen King;” the manic double bass drumming and overall intensity of “Voice Of The Sword;” and the classical flourishes of “For The King.”
Overall, Scythia’s …Of Exile is a well-done album, free from the sophomore jinx. While folk metal may not have a very broad appeal, Scythia should be numbered among the leaders of the genre and deserve to be recognized. The band is definitely talented and very capable, and they deliver their unique sound with passion, enthusiasm and a great sense of drama and fun. While not yet up to the level of a Blackmore’s Night or Leaves’ Eyes, Scythai should be on the radar of any fans of folk metal. A bit more seasoning will help them earn the recognition they deserve. …Of Exile will be released on 23-September-2011.
Recommended! Metal oboe rules…
Genre: Folk Metal
Band:
Celine Derval (drums, vocals)
Scott Thompson (keyboards)
Dave Khan (lead vocals, guitar)
Terry Savage (bass, backing vocals)
Morgan Zentner (oboe)
Track Listing:
1. Prelude
2. Spirit of the Quest
3. Sleeping Village
4. Forgotten Forest
5. Fallen King
6. Voice of the Sword
7. For the King
8. Fortress
9. Dies Irae II
10. Hobarth’s Inn
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.scythiafolkmetal.com/, http://www.facebook.com/scythiametal
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10