To mix influences from different forms of music became an escape road for many bands to evade the comparisons with others, and a way to call the attention of the fans to their work. And the German quintet HARPYIE has a different insight on Pagan/Folk Metal, as "Aurora" is here to show. Pagan/Folk Metal is, primarily, a fusion of Metal genres (any one that exists) with Pagan/Folk music influences and musical instruments, and some uses a bold Classical Music touches to make it different. These guys prefer to use modern Metal influences from Metalcore, New Metal and Industrial Rock along Folk music influences (that can be heard due violin and Lute). It's weird to some, but it's not bad at all, especially for modern Metal fans.

The sound quality of the album is really very good. It's not an easy thing to balance such set of musical influences of the quintet's music, but the goal was reached: it sounds heavy and modern, but always clear for the listeners. The band's lyrics are all in German (it seems to be a tendency on Germany from 5-10 years until this moment), and their music sounds very good. And the charming melodic parts of "Sternenfeuer" (very good pianos are presented on it), the chaotic Industrial touch that comes from the harmonies of "Nichts Mehr", the bitter melodies of "Kompassrosen Welken Nicht" (the song has a very good set of instrumental arrangements contrasting with the voices), the rough guitar riffs of "Kaleidoskop", the complex mix of influences heard on "Atlantis", and the contrast of distorted parts with deep melodies of "Blut und Spiele" are their best songs. But the listener must have in mind that "Aurora" is not an album so easy to be understood.

HARPYIE's work on "Aurora" is very good, but the band has more to offer than can be heard on the album.