Formed in just 2011, English Pagan Metal band THE WOLVES OF AVALON have been busy, with their second full-length album "Boudicca's Last Stand" having been released at the end of July. I personally hadn't heard of them before, but being a fan of the genre, I was quite eager to see just what these Brits could do.

Paying tribute to the distant tales of an ancient land, this album revolves around Boudicca, a ferocious warrior queen of the Iceni tribe, who led a revolt against the Roman Empire before taking her own life when her defeat loomed certain. And with such a lyrical theme, the album has been dedicated to the Ukrainian people, in recognition of the conflicts they have endured this year. With the use of violin, mandolin, cello, accordion, and flute, THE WOLVE OF AVALON bring to life more Folk-like aspects of their music. "Boudicca's Last Stand" also features guest vocalists Thurios (DRUDKH) and Hildr Valkyrie (FOLKEARTH), as well as Alyona (AETERNA) on flutes.

Starting off with "Famished Wolves Befogged With Blood" the listener is greeted by a mellow tune that soon swells into a lilting Folky strain entwined with an almost discordant melody. The vocals appear are jarringly harsh at first, although this is ameliorated when the heavier instrumentals kick in. I would consider this track one of the weaker ones of the album, although it does ease the listener into the album, preparing them for the wonders that await. Things take a darker twist in songs like "The Dreadful Thirst Of Death", although even this has its moments of searing beauty that captivate you and sends you on a soaring journey of emotions. I really enjoyed "Bonded By Blood And Sword", a heavier and faster-paced song with amazing guitar and bass flairs towards the end that I can imagine would be rather spectacular live. With the folkier parts seemingly out of the way at the beginning of the album, "Boudicca's Last Stand" gets increasingly heavy, although more melodic parts are cleverly integrated into the compositions, adding variation and keeping you captivated, even through longer tracks such as "Behold The Feast Of The Slaughter Gods". It is around this point that the album climaxes, with the final songs becoming more maudlin. The final song, a bonus track on the CDs, is a cover of "Essence" by ENSLAVED. Translating the more Black Metal feel of the original into a lighter melody, THE WOLVES OF AVALON stick close to the ENSLAVED's blueprint whilst still giving it a unique feel.

The first time I listened to the album over speakers, I was disappointed by the slight unclarity that arises in parts with a large number of layers. However, when listening to it with headphones, all the different layers become distinguishable and really come to life; it is then that one notices how interesting and complex the compositions are. This is definitely an album that grows on you the more you listen to it. Furthermore, THE WOLVE OF AVALON also have a distinct style that is not typically found within the genre. Many similar bands perform an amalgamation of heavier Metal combined with a Folkier undertow that often ends up being catchy and cheerful. THE WOLVES OF AVALON on the other hand use Folk elements to add depth and character to their music without sacrificing any of their heaviness along the way. I will definitely be keeping a close eye on this band; they undoubtedly have the potential to go on to conquer the world of Pagan Metal.