I guess you've heard of one man bands but have you ever heard of one woman bands? It must be the first time I ever come across such a peculiar project.
Carved In Stone is actually one woman, Swawa playing a very spiritual and calm "Mystic Folk kind of thing, in German (and in a few songs in English). "Hear The Voice is her first full length solo release under her project's name.
There's nothing I really know (or have been informed of during this review) about Swawa's background but for a person to be singing, playing the guitar (acoustic), the harp, the pipe and keyboards...well, I must admit that she certainly is no kid fooling around nor a musician wannabe.
"Hear The Voice is a really relaxing kind of album, having Swawa's voice (in German - except for a few songs as I already mentioned) take you away with her, through misty mountains and green plains. It's that kind of soft folk music which makes you want to kick back in your armchair and daydream with a pleasant smile on your face (despite the fact that you don't understand a single word if you don't speak German).
It's really nothing alike Cruachan or Skyclad and I'd like to make that clear enough because if someone told me about Folk Metal or whatever, my mind certainly wouldn't dip into the calmer pools of musical emotions.
Carved In Stone is a fine CD to be listening to, it's just it's so specific, it doesn't appeal to everyone and even for those who'll like it, it would be picked out of their drawer for very specific moments...Nevertheless you'll admit she's got a great voice!