Tracklist
album info:
Verified yes
Discs1
GenreMetal
Rank−
Released2003-04-01
Record labelIndependent
Charts
AddedMarch 14th, 2018
Last updated
AboutNoitakansa by Solgrav
Type: Demo
Release date: April 2003
Catalog ID:N/A
Version desc.:Limited edition, CD-R
Label: Independent
Format: CD
Limitation:200 copies
Reviews:1 review
For one of Solgrav's earlier self-released demos, "Noitakansa" appeals to a level of music I'd expect more from a studio released album created by an already tenured band. The quality is excellent. The skill in instrumentation is well-documented and apprehensive; the members of Solgrav know when to play and how to play their instruments. Even, and this is worth noting, the use of more exotic instruments - from the Finnish kantele to the mouth-harp - are applied fittingly, not haphazardly as is so common in other folk-influenced metal bands. The vocals, although sometimes obscured, resonate with clarity and apt deep notes. While certainly harsh, it is controlled singing; rasp, quick, yet skilled. The vocalist demonstrates experience, in spite of his apathy. Altogether, through a mixture of theme-based instruments, talent, seemingly experienced vocals and definitive lyrics, Solgrav has achieved with "Noitakansa" a solid demo.
When it comes down to the instrumentation, it is apparent that distinctiveness is key. It's important to mention that the artists have a sense - an understanding between one another and the rest of the band - in how to ideally interact. With a versatile range of styles and techniques, the artists have articulated an entertaining arrangement without disrupting the sound as a whole. This is evident even in abrupt changes (as in "Kirvesmurha" and "Kun Aika Jättää...") where beginning and ending guitar solos are executed effectively, despite the repetitiveness or the almost colloquial application of distorted chords in the solos themselves. Drumming, when it does occur, is competently yet sadly nothing uncommon.
In the exotic instruments, from the reminiscent sound of bells ringing or ice breaking in the kantele (as in "Kirvesmurha") to the moody, uniquely drone mouth-harp, there is a realization as to what defines Solgrav and its artists intentions. As is so common in other bands that try to use unorthodox instruments to create a folk atmosphere, the instruments in this demo don't merely act as bookends for each song. The kantele is not used strictly to build an instrumental intro or a meek and never-ending outro, in order to allow guitars, bass, drums and vocals to act as filler. On the contrary, the kantele and other more exotic instruments are added within the content of the songs without taking away from the song itself. It takes a keen ear to pick each apart as separate elements. It's an even greater travesty to claim they do not belong.
As previously reiterated, the harsh vocals are competently controlled; although, they are often obscured by the instruments. It is worthwhile to suggest that the vocals are the weakest aspect of this demo. This is not due to the vocalist lacking skill or expertise in his vocals, only that they occasionally seem out of place; the implementation seems sluggish or perhaps careless. I don't get the expression that there is passion or significance applied to the lyrics through the singing. Instead the vocalist is more-or-less apathetic.
On the whole, however, the perceived absence of profound emotions in the vocals is canceled out by the atmosphere produced by the instruments alone. If the intention was to provide a distinguished and meaningful Finnish-Baltic ambience to pagan folk metal, Solgrav succeeded. "Noitakansa" is truly superb. There is - or more correctly was - potential in Solgrav at the release of this demo.
Type: Demo
Release date: April 2003
Catalog ID:N/A
Version desc.:Limited edition, CD-R
Label: Independent
Format: CD
Limitation:200 copies
Reviews:1 review
For one of Solgrav's earlier self-released demos, "Noitakansa" appeals to a level of music I'd expect more from a studio released album created by an already tenured band. The quality is excellent. The skill in instrumentation is well-documented and apprehensive; the members of Solgrav know when to play and how to play their instruments. Even, and this is worth noting, the use of more exotic instruments - from the Finnish kantele to the mouth-harp - are applied fittingly, not haphazardly as is so common in other folk-influenced metal bands. The vocals, although sometimes obscured, resonate with clarity and apt deep notes. While certainly harsh, it is controlled singing; rasp, quick, yet skilled. The vocalist demonstrates experience, in spite of his apathy. Altogether, through a mixture of theme-based instruments, talent, seemingly experienced vocals and definitive lyrics, Solgrav has achieved with "Noitakansa" a solid demo.
When it comes down to the instrumentation, it is apparent that distinctiveness is key. It's important to mention that the artists have a sense - an understanding between one another and the rest of the band - in how to ideally interact. With a versatile range of styles and techniques, the artists have articulated an entertaining arrangement without disrupting the sound as a whole. This is evident even in abrupt changes (as in "Kirvesmurha" and "Kun Aika Jättää...") where beginning and ending guitar solos are executed effectively, despite the repetitiveness or the almost colloquial application of distorted chords in the solos themselves. Drumming, when it does occur, is competently yet sadly nothing uncommon.
In the exotic instruments, from the reminiscent sound of bells ringing or ice breaking in the kantele (as in "Kirvesmurha") to the moody, uniquely drone mouth-harp, there is a realization as to what defines Solgrav and its artists intentions. As is so common in other bands that try to use unorthodox instruments to create a folk atmosphere, the instruments in this demo don't merely act as bookends for each song. The kantele is not used strictly to build an instrumental intro or a meek and never-ending outro, in order to allow guitars, bass, drums and vocals to act as filler. On the contrary, the kantele and other more exotic instruments are added within the content of the songs without taking away from the song itself. It takes a keen ear to pick each apart as separate elements. It's an even greater travesty to claim they do not belong.
As previously reiterated, the harsh vocals are competently controlled; although, they are often obscured by the instruments. It is worthwhile to suggest that the vocals are the weakest aspect of this demo. This is not due to the vocalist lacking skill or expertise in his vocals, only that they occasionally seem out of place; the implementation seems sluggish or perhaps careless. I don't get the expression that there is passion or significance applied to the lyrics through the singing. Instead the vocalist is more-or-less apathetic.
On the whole, however, the perceived absence of profound emotions in the vocals is canceled out by the atmosphere produced by the instruments alone. If the intention was to provide a distinguished and meaningful Finnish-Baltic ambience to pagan folk metal, Solgrav succeeded. "Noitakansa" is truly superb. There is - or more correctly was - potential in Solgrav at the release of this demo.