Eluveitie has always been a band that prides itself on the authenticity and richness of its sound. With roots deeply embedded in ancient Celtic culture and mythology, their music often serves as a bridge between the past and the present, merging historical narratives with contemporary musical prowess. Ànv is a testament to their evolution as musicians and storytellers and is due to be released on April 25th via Nuclear Blast Records.
Eluveitie has always been known for their ability to seamlessly blend traditional folk instruments with modern metal elements. This album continues that tradition, showcasing their mastery over a wide range of instruments, including the hurdy-gurdy, flutes, and violins, alongside electric guitars, bass, and drums whilst combining brutal and powerful growls from Glanzmann and the ethereal and emotive cleans from Fabienne Erni
Founding member and Chrigel Glanzmann says about Ànv:
“Hard to express how excited we are to share this one with you all! Musically combining the heavy pounding Elu classics like “Luxtos”, “Inis Mona” or even “King” with some new, maybe unexpected ideas, we feel that this song most of all comes like a punch in the face and we hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do! Lyrically it actually opens the big theme of ÀNV – these ancient words, several thousands of years old, our album is based on…”
The album opens with “Emerge,” an apt name for such a dramatic introduction which sails seamlessly into the brutally heavy “Taranoías“. A deafening, demonic roar explodes from the ether, creating a frantic pace with blistering guitars, thunderous drums and flurries of folk elements, evoking a sense of fierce, dramatic conflict and determination. Following up with “The Prodigal Ones,” both tracks lay a heavy emphasis on aggressive melodic death metal underpinned with beautiful harmonies and folk elements. Screaming guitar solos, slamming riffs and otherworldly keys the roars and powerful cleans. The title track offers a brief reprieve from the cacophony of devastation, channelling the ancient spirit of those of came before. Fabienne’s haunting and powerful vocalisations combined with otherworldly keys generate an emotive and spine-chilling atmosphere.
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“Premonition” returns to the more aggressive side of the band with rousing energy and dynamic folk elements. A beautiful punch to the face which remains as one of the most memorable moments on the album, particularly with the fiery guitar solo which rips through the folk instruments. “Awen” focuses on dense melodics and dramatic flair with Fabienne’s beautiful vocals taking centre stage throughout ed by background growls. “Anamcara” serves as a palette cleanser of sorts; a haunting interlude utilising the mandolin, dramatic sythns and dynamic narration before charging forth into “The Harvest” which serves as one of the album’s darker and savage tracks.
“Memories of Innocence” introduces the last third of the album with an upbeat instrumental which showcases the band’s expert musical prowess and wouldn’t be out of place at a medieval or folk festival. This instrumental sets the tone for the last three tracks of the record which put heavy emphasis on melody and all things folk, evoking the ancient spirit once more in one final ritual. “All Is One” is particularly emotive and serves as the album’s main ballad whereas “Aeon of the Crescent Moon” takes a heavier approach much like the opening chapters of the album yet it maintains a heavy folk presence, particularly with new violinist Lea-Sophie Fischer’s utterly stunning solo appearance. “The Prophecy” concludes the album with a tribal, ritualistic atmosphere with haunting spoken word, throat chanting, soaring vocalisations and soft yet powerful flutes and keyboards. Dramatic in nature before erupting with a savage fierceness, bringing the album full circle.
The use of folk instruments as it adds an organic and earthy quality to the music. The hurdy-gurdy, with its distinctive droning sound, provides a constant undercurrent that ties the tracks together. The flutes, mandolin and violin, on the other hand, add a sense of lightness and airiness, contrasting the heavier metal elements. The production quality of the album is impeccable, with each instrument and vocal track meticulously balanced to create a cohesive sound. The mixing and mastering ensure that the folk and metal elements complement rather than overpower each other, resulting in a harmonious blend that is both dynamic and engaging.
One of the standout aspects of the album is its emotional resonance. Each track is crafted to evoke a specific emotion, whether it’s the adrenaline rush of battle, the tranquility of nature, or the sorrow of loss. The band’s ability to convey these emotions through their music is a testament to their skill and artistry.
Ànv offers a blend of old and new, balancing tradition and innovation. It’s an album that not only showcases the band’s musical prowess but also their deep connection to Celtic culture and mythology. With its rich thematic content and impeccable production quality, it stands as a testament to Eluveitie’s evolution as musicians and storytellers. This album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of folk-metal. Ànv is not just an album; it’s an experience. The thematic richness, combined with the intricate musical composition, creates a journey that is both immersive and enlightening. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Eluveitie or new to their music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Ànv is out on April 4th via Nuclear Blast Records
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