Since SKYCLAD gave start to the combination of Metal with Folk music influences, it was the beginning of an invasion that took over Metal from the second half of the 90's until today. To say that a band plays Folk/Pagan Metal today can cause confusion, because the genre has a lot of different ways to be played, from the harsh and aggressive extreme Metal ways to the melodic ones. And the German septet CORONATUS is a charming surprise, because "The Eminence of Nature" is a great album! Their musical work can be said as a mix between Symphonic Metal ways with a lot of Folk and Pagan influences. And their music bears some grandiose parts with charming choirs, excellent melodies, and vocals range that go from soprano tunes to harsh screams. In the due proportions, it could be said as fusion of the best moments of NIGHTWISH with a Folk/Pagan version of "Century Child" age, including the modern tunes used on the guitars.

Mats Kurth produced the album with Markus Stock at his side (and this last one mixed and mastered the songs, as well as played bass guitar on the album). As usual for the genre, a clean sonority with extremely defined instrumental tunes can be heard, but the weight is presented, along with a good dose of aggressiveness as well. "The Eminence of Nature" is a double CD release, with instrumental versions of the CD 1 songs presented on CD 2. "No Planet B" can be described as a very good blend between Symphonic Metal with World Music elements (and very good work on vocals and keyboards), and "Midsommar" has the same elements, but with a stronger Folk scent (thanks to the violin parts).

The catchy melodies of "S.O.P." will hook the fans (another fine work from the keyboards and guitars), and the same can be said about "The Wilderness of the North" (besides this one has a heavier crunch, and a great work from bass guitar and drums). The lovely and tender ambiance of "Echo of Souls" is really amazing, as the accessible approach used on "The Place I Love". On "Human Mania" and "Set Sail to North" the band focuses again its efforts on a balanced mix between Symphonic Metal and Folk/Pagan parts (and on both, very good vocals once more). And the slower rhythm of "9000 Years Ago" creates a dense and somewhat melancholic ambiance, guided by very good riffs.

As I said above, on CD 2, the listeners will find instrumental versions of the songs. But it doesn't mean that they aren't worthy of attention, because they show clearly the very good melodies and musical arrangements, and are a good new for those karaoke addicted fans. Yes, "The Eminence of Nature" really is a great album and deserves to be heard. And CORONATUS is that kind of band that, if you don't know their previous releases, you must do it now!