Red Silent Tides

Elvenking

What is the definition of "Folky" Metal? ELVENKING probably, but no really what is it? […]
By Dimitris Karametros
October 4, 2010

What is the definition of "Folky" Metal? ELVENKING probably, but no really what is it? Is it light folk Metal? Or I don't have an idea about folk, folk Metal? Probably all the above, and the answer is ELVENKING.

Sixth album for the Power Metal, not folk, band from Italy and my actual first contact with the band; "Red Silent Tides", is a good example of mainstream Power Metal with many influences from a more 80 Hard Rock. In its initial listening the sound reminded me much of the BON JOVI sound, which is actually good, adding the Power elements and the album pretty much moves in a safe environment, that is very easy to be accepted by Metal and not ears. To be honest there is not much that displeased me with "Red Silent Tides" apart the folk park which was nonexistent or just much weak to be taken into account.

There are small musical breaks that contain folk elements but they are so small that actually are never taken into account. The guitars play amazing but they steadily move within the Hard Rock/Power Metal riffing and soloing, which is pretty good. There is a scent of violin yet as the whole folk mood not strong enough to make an impression. The scales, though, tilt towards Hard Rock more than Power Metal. There is a musical maturity to the album and the musicians seem to play exactly what they want. An added 'pro' to the album is that although for example I am not a real fun of the musical style of "Red Silent Tides", it is not an album that did tire me listening. The production also helps in this album since it is immaculate.

An impressive vocal range from the singer Damna is the first thing that catches your ear while you listen to the album. He has the ideal voice for a Hard Rock band, and ELVENKING's music is sculpted around his voice. A good overall album, only that folk fans should not fall for the folk aspect of the album. I have a feeling that in a live gig ELVENKING songs will be great.

6 / 10

Had Potential

"Red Silent Tides" Track-listing:
  1. Downmelting
  2. The Last Hour
  3. Silence De Mort
  4. The Cabal
  5. Runereader
  6. Possession
  7. Your Heroes Are Dead
  8. These Days
  9. The Nightmare Will Never End
  10. What's Left Of Me
  11. The Play Of The Leaves
Elvenking Lineup:

Damnagoras - Vocals
Aydan - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Rafahel - Guitars
Gorlan - Bass
Elughen - Violin, Keyboards
Zender - Drums
Lethien - Violin

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