Avven [Slovenia]
Kastalija
2012
Full Length
Independent
Folk Metal
Rejecting all things Western and giving themselves the label of "rock of the east", Slovenia's Avven this year releases their second full length album, Kastalija, six years after their debut in 2006. With the album being crafted over the years, evident from the numerous singles that were released since 2009 that will also be in the album, it leaves one to wonder what Avven has in place for listeners in the album. Adopting their band name from the Welsh word for "poetic inspiration", one would expect no less than a poetic and meaningful journey ahead.
Unlike the more extreme metal influenced folk metal bands like Finntroll or Ensiferum though, Avven's style of folk metal leans more towards the more melodic style, reminiscent of bands like Folkearth, most evident from the vocalist Anam's preferred usage of clean vocals that last throughout the entire album. Right from the start, there is an air of positivity in the music, fitting to the lyrical themes of Kastalija, ranging from a happy, celebratory mood to a calming, soothing one, especially with the captivating vocals of Evelyn on songs like Ros. Music-wise, the band utilises a whole range of instruments, and this certainly makes Kastalija a rather interesting listen, with a trumpet solo included on songs like Zmaji resulting in a rather unconventional listening experience.
As would already be evident as one listens to the album, Avven's focus on Kastalija lies in the mood that they are able to evoke in the listener, rather than the technicality that is involved, not only with the rather simple riffing patterns that guitarists Galvin and Anam unleash, but also with the simple rock beats of drummer Aillan. Instead, the band lets the other instruments on the record shine, such as the usage of the violins and the accordions, with the melodies that these members being what drives the music, providing the emotional aspect on the album. The vocals of Anam and Evelyn are also fully utilised and songs like Nuala display their vocal prowess, with the duet between them being one of the main personal highlights on the album.
The slow buildup on songs like Nuala brings about a nice climactic feel in the listener as well, sounding like a soundtrack off an epic movie, and such epic, rousing moments are constantly present throughout the album, and displays the band's songwriting abilities. The seemingly light-hearted experience so far isn't to say that there aren't any heavy moments at all on the album though, as songs like Vvile and Tarak see the band incorporating some of the heaviest riff works alongside their usual soothing side. There is also the fun side of the band like on Ibo, which would have easily fit on a Korpiklaani record with the bouncy mood that is in the music.
Overall, Kastalija is an extremely easy-listening folk metal album, with its beautiful melodies being able to capture the attention of fans of melodic bands, yet not compromising any of the folk metal aesthetics and elements at the same time. Sure, there are times when it gets cheesy, but the catchiness and infectiousness of the music is definitely undeniable.
Avven on the internet:
Official website
MySpace
YouTube
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