Artist: Eluveitie Album: Origins

Year: 2014
Duration: 57:28

A Critical Review of Eluveitie's Album Origins

Eluveitie is a Swiss folk metal band that has been gaining popularity since 2002. Their recently released album, Origins, has been a much-anticipated addition to their impressive discography. The album consists of sixteen tracks, each unique in its own way. In this blog, we will discuss the history of Eluveitie, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and provide an in-depth critic to the album.

Eluveitie's musical journey began in 2002 when Chrigel Glanzmann formed the band in Winterthur, Switzerland. Since then, the band has released nine studio albums, two live albums, two compilation albums, one video album, and one EP. They combine traditional Celtic folk instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, and flutes with modern metal elements. The band's music showcases their admiration for their Celtic heritage and ancient mythology.

The genre of Eluveitie's Origins album can be described as folk metal with a modern twist. The album sees the band embrace their traditional sound, while also delving into new territories that incorporate modern metal elements. Eluveitie's music is not for the faint-hearted; it's a unique blend of metal and traditional folk music that is sure to get your head banging.

The best songs on the album are subjective to personal taste, but the standout tracks are Ategnatos, The Slumber, and The Silvern Glow. Ategnatos starts with the traditional Celtic sounds of hurdy-gurdy and flutes before transitioning to hard-hitting guitar riffs, while The Slumber is a slow-burning track with haunting vocals and an exceptional guitar solo. The Silvern Glow starts with an emotional cello medley before transitioning to a metal-infused jam.

The most innovative part of the album is its ability to combine traditional Celtic folk music with modern metal elements seamlessly. The album has epic, powerful, and memorable tracks that stay true to Eluveitie's unique sound while also incorporating fresh elements. The use of traditional instruments like the hurdy-gurdy and flutes alongside the heavy guitar riffs is something that sets Eluveitie apart from other metal bands.

In terms of criticism, the Origins album could have benefitted from stronger songwriting. A few songs on the album sound similar, and some could have been cut out to make way for stronger tracks. However, as a whole, the album does not disappoint. The band's love for their heritage and mythology is apparent in the music, and the efforts to blend traditional Celtic folk music with modern metal elements are commendable.

In conclusion, Origins is a solid addition to Eluveitie's discography. The album has a unique sound that blends traditional Celtic folk music with modern metal elements, resulting in a great listening experience. The standout tracks on the album showcase the band's capabilities and commitment to their sound. While there could have been some improvements in the songwriting department, Eluveitie's love for their heritage and mythology makes the album a must-listen for fans of folk metal. It's an album that showcases Eluveitie's unique sound and commitment to their craft.