The combination between Metal and Folk is always something to look forward to; the crossovers are almost always unique. Unfortunately/fortunately there are often bands that fall into the drinking culture of it all, invoking all the booze and the gods, but as long as the tunes are catchy and not repetitive, who am I to judge the 100 bands that sing about the same thing? I can't listen to KORPIKLAANI's "Beer Beer" for 10 hours straight; I would need something in between not to go insane. There are also bands like WARDUNA, who serve a more authentic pagan folk experience, but lets cut to the chase.

Formed by two multi-instrumentalists Agnes Toth and Szabo Mihaly, THE MOON AND THE NIGHTSPIRIT has anchored themselves firmly into the fantasy-land of pagan-folk music since their birth in 2003. Their 6^th studio album, "Metanoia" is a call to initiation and rebirth; it's a 'return to the pristine and pure path of crystalline existence'. Although clearly darker than the previous pieces, the album still manages to transport you to a far-away land. The group's new work builds on its alluring, fairytale-esque explorations, delivering enveloping songs that are as gentle as they are powerful. The voices of Agnes and Szabo are complementing each other beautifully, one fragile and ethereal and the other dark and powerful. Throughout the entire album, the instruments are interconnecting like true symphonies.

"A Hajnal Koszontese" channels a mystical pensive soundscape, the soft acoustic feel embraces the darker atmospheric elements giving the listener a spellbinding mood. I cannot really put it into words, but for any TV-series fanatics out there, it makes me think of the Outlander fairy ceremony. "Metanoia" goes a bit beyond the pagan influences; on "Kilenic Hid" you can hear that a few oriental sounds were added alongside the tribal perception. The entire album is a poem, embellished by a magical and spiritual aura that will guide you through an enchanting mystical land.

I am calling all atmospheric metal people as well as traditional folk/pagan fans, THE MOON AND THE NIGHTSPRIT is a band you will want to check out, at least once.