CALADMOR is a Folk Metal band hailing from Zurich, Switzerland. The vocals are a mix of clean and growls. Let me tell you that the growling totally ruined this album for me. I don't see the point in hiring a beautiful operatic female vocalist if you are just going to allow some guy to growl like an animal on the rest of the song. It's a complete and utter waste of talent. I am aware that this is a mainstay in the genre so I don't expect fans of it to agree with me. You may find the growling to be acceptable, although I cannot understand how anyone can feel this way, I am certain they in fact do. So aside from my issue with the guy (Maede) in my view ruining the songs, the rest of the music is fine. There are a vast amount of instruments used on this album; All the way from a "Jaws" harp to bagpipes. Barbara Brawand is the female vocalist and does a good job singing. She also shows off her talents playing the already mentioned Harp. That is very impressive to me. She is much more than just a vocalist and window dressing as female vocalists are sometimes unfairly designated to be.

The pace of the songs varies from slow to mid paced tempos and a little bit of speed on at least three songs. Barbara Brawand should embark on a solo career where she can allow her excellent voice to shine and not hide behind the growling Maede. I do find the medieval renaissance melodies to be quite good. I have always been a fan of medieval music. I can easily see this music being played at a renaissance festival. The growling would have to left behind or risk scaring the children. The song most suited for such a festival is "Ode To Oblivion" and is in fact started off with the intro having sound effects of a festival gathering complete with cheering patrons or guests. My pick for the best song on the album is the beautiful acoustic guitar and flute driven "Wayfarer" where only Barbara Brawand sings. It is a good song to end the album on.

Overall, the production and sound quality is very good, but I think this is an album only for fans of Folk Metal. I don't see anyone else being able to tolerate the growling vocals. You may have to make up your own mind on this one since I am not a fan of mixed vocals, whether they are growling or not. Night and day differentials in vocal representations of any kind tend to turn me off. I expect similarity in vocals in my music, not something that seems diametrically opposed to the other.