Hello Metal-Temple. Today I have the chance to review ELVENKING, and what chance that was. 2017 seemed to be kind of bleak on the Folk Metal scene with just a few notable releases. But it just changed with "Secrets Of The Magick Grimoire" by ELVENKING. The Italian band, formed in 1997, released 8 albums prior to this one with various mixed feelings. This release should, however, be accepted unanimously as their best work to date.

The opening of "Invoking The Woodland Spirit" seems dark at first, but within the first minute you get a taste of the magic that will insure. Far from being dark, the light and power of the album will transport you to a fantasy land. The use of various folk instruments throughout the album gives it life and vitality. "Draugen's Maelstrom" just radiate as the possible high point of the album with an amazing hook and melodic prowess. It has this kind of hook that will make you remember this album.

The next song is a bit different, "The One We Shall Follow" had more of a classic Folk and Power Metal feeling. With a slower pace, a lot of keyboard and violin, it is not without similarities to the likes of TURISAS and ENSIFERUM. "The Horned Ghost and the Sorcerer" also could use this comparison with another epic hook and classic feeling to it.

"A Grain Of Truth" gets back into the fast and more energetic beat with another epic bridge. The play on vocals is more present with this piece and switch between male, female and harsh vocals. The mix of the three types of vocals throughout the album seems like an ingredient to success nowadays, but not every band seems to pull it off as great and ELVENKING did and especially in this piece.

"3 Ways to Magick" is the perfect definition of the band, focusing on medieval and magical themes, with a mix of Folk and Power Metal. Slow and fast pace merged into one epic song to rule them all. This is your typical ELVENKING catchy and melodic song.

I had an absolute blast listening to "Secrets Of The Magick Grimoire". The band has outdone themselves to create a magical album that should appeal to any Folk and Power Metal fans alike.