Seven years is a long time between two studio albums. Even a 'best of' compilation can't save the day. You have to release a powerful album in order to satisfy your fans and keep your level, if not make the step to go to the next level.

SKYFORGER is a band that is in a situation like that. Formed back in 1995, they have released four full length albums so far, others under a label while others were self-released. They had, as most of the bands, some lineup changes, with the latest one being the departure, for a second time, of Rihards Skudrîtis (guitars) and the arrival of Mārtiņš. Even though Latvia is not a country that is known about its Metal scene, SKYFORGER is a band well known among the folk Metal fans. So all of them are anxious for their new album "Kurbads", which will be out in the next days.

The band made a turn to more folk routes, but that doesn't mean that the have softened their sound. The intro of "Curse of the Witch", with the wolves alongside the fade-in drumming followed by a powerful riff, makes the listener understand that hare we are dealing with a heavy album. The riffs are more thrash-y than in the past and the folk instruments are wisely used. The production is mush better than in their previous releases, too. Well I did expect that to happen, since this is their first album under the umbrella of a big record company. The melodies and the riffing in most of the songs are going to stick in your mind for a long time (especially some catchy choruses). Unfortunately, I can't say anything about the lyrics, since I don't speak their mother language, but one thing is for sure: the sound of this language is nice and binds nicely with the folk and Metal melodies.

"Kurbads" is an album that may not be in the top 10 list of Metal CDs, it may not sell thousands of copies, but it is a very good release that metalheads fond of folk melodies with thrashy riffing and growls, will honor.