Italian Epic Metallers Wotan strike 'back' with their first full length album, Carmina Barbarica. A quite strange title, don't you think? Back in 1988 Vanni (vocals) and Marco (guitars) formed this band spellbound by the sound of Epic Metal.
It was not until late 1993 when the band released their first demo called Thunderstorm, which included seven songs. They simply sold 500 copies in a blink of an eye and conquered RAI's radio station. Wotan remained in the underground scene for more than 10 years and only a few people actually had the chance to listen to their music during this era of the band.
In my personal opinion I strongly believe that if these guys were luckier in the past and had the chance to sign a record deal, nowadays they would be worldwide known. Too bad it never happened because their music is so damn good and every Epic Metal fan out there would adore them. A second demo called Under The Sign of Odin's Crow was released in 2000 and once again all the copies were sold; mainly bought by Greek and Italian fans.
Actually this band has quite a history and this first full-length release is something remarkable, cerebrating the fact that they have just released their debut album, Carmina Barbarica. Recorded at the Conquest Studio (Doomsword), the album has a absolutely Epic feeling. With no use of any digital, any effect or such thing they've managed to consolidate a very unique sound, true and massive...a real Heavy/Epic atmosphere.
Carmina Barbarica is a true Epic Metal record, in the vein of the leviathans of the genre, such as Manowar and Virgin Steele. The cover artwork is terse and guides you straight away into the musical direction Wotan are performing. These two ancient bird images are Ostrogoth eagle-shaped fibulas, found in the treasure of Domagnano in Italy, dating back to the V-VI century a.d., in pure gold fashion with cloisonne (inlays of fuse glass) and set garnets. The eagle was the symbol of imperial dignity adopted by the Ostrogoth barbarians in 493 a.d. when their king,  Theoderic, took control over Italy.
Wotan cooperate with several friends of theirs in Carmina Barbarica . Deathmaster of Doomsword appears in Hussard De La Mort's chorus, Nadia Lauria did some backing vocals in Under the Sign of Odin's Ravens, King of Crows, Stone Giants and The Cave. There is also a narration in Ancient Greek in Thermopiles, done by  Gregory Varsamis.
Musically speaking Wotan are playing true Epic Metal, something that has vanished nowadays. What is quite strange is the fact that these guys sound as if they're still playing in the 80s. Their production reminds me of other ages, back in the glorious days of Epic Metal that is. They just have one guitar, a bass, drums and their singer. That's pretty much all, they don't use any special effects, just the main instrumentation. They write and record music exactly like they'd do a decade ago and I assure you they are damn good.
All the songs have a really strong Epic feeling and melody. The guitar riffs are sometimes massive and laggard while at some other times fast and mind-blowing. The choruses are amazing, providing you with the same feeling you'd get when hearing a church choir sing. The vocal lines are brilliant and Vanni's voice fits perfectly with the album's entire atmosphere. Lyrically Carmina Barbarica is based on several different stories and is not an overall concept. Allow me to say that Thermopiles is a masterpiece. The narration of the oracle of Delphi from The Histories of Herodotus is amazing.
Overall I have to say that I am really amazed hearing these guys. Their album is a true journey back in time, to lands where ancient kings, heroes, ravens and Gods ruled humanity. Highlights of the album are Lord Of The Wind, Under the Sign of Odin's Ravens, Ride Of Templars (yeah, we have our own Metal-Temple song haha), Wrath of North, The Cave and Thermopiles. For sure this is a must have album for every Epic Metaller out there. Don't you dare miss this release...you will be hitting your head against the wall. Well done Wotan!!!
Hverr kann um that godhmalugra gorr at scilia - (Hymiskvidha, 38)