This is an acoustic album by ELVENKING, the Italian Folk/Power Metal quintet (that recently 'turned' to more modern paths in music, via their Scythe latest release). It features brand new songs plus an acoustic version of two previously released cuts, The Winter Wake and The Wanderer. It will be released in normal and digipack formats, with a Japanese version featuring an extra track called Skywards 2008 (the original Skywards edition was featured in ELVENKING's debut full-length, 2001's Heathenreel). OK with the Press Release, ha ha, but what about music itself?
Still doing business with AFM Records, ELVENKING decides to focus on their 'folk' side over here. At least, we know what to expect from this album with the smart title. The arrangements are OK (an appropriate equipment of instruments seems to have been used), the re-makes of the originals are not far enough from the wanted 'vibe', the Belinda Carlisle cover ends up being rather fancy and - in general - the mood is kinda 'leprechaun' Metal coming from the North of Europe. Have not been a fan of ELVENKING, apart from their debut album maybe, but this is not a 'normal' CD anyway.
Thus, take the time - if you want - to spend some time with an 'all acoustic' release, nonetheless well performed, but destined to apply mostly to the band's core fans. Fans that love ELVENKING's folk side, I remind you. If you, on the other hand, wait for some e.g. SKYCLAD mastery then hold your horses.