By now, most people are getting to know a little about the Russian folk metal scene, as Arkona’s release of Ot Serdca k Nebu in 2008 shows.  However, the Russian folk metal scene has always been around, whether it is Arkona (they were well known in the scene even before last year) or the now defunct Pagan Reign.  One band that gets mentioned with those names, but often gets overlooked is Alkonost.  A sextet that despite the folk metal label, doesn’t rely much on folk instruments to create their sound.  Those familiar with the band will no doubt be pleased that the band maintains their identity on their latest album Stone Heart Blood.  Those who are new to the band will want to know more about Alkonost and their earlier efforts.

One formula that Alkonost has always relied on in their musical compositions is their strong guitar work.  Stone Heart Blood is no exception, as it churns out some of the purest melodies without much effort, as evidenced on the intro to “Youth” and throughout the album, for that matter.  The absence of folk instruments speaks well of the band’s ability to create a traditional folk setting using only what they have on hand without resorting to overly synthetic methods.  Sure, there are keyboards and there is a keyboard player counted amongst the band’s ranks, but they don’t drown out the other instruments and for the most part (the exception being at the end of “Temple of the Forest”), are just as natural as everything else on the album.  In fact, they add a dark element to the sound, which in many ways, helps distinguish Alkonost from the other bands in the folk metal genre.  The vocals are more balanced in terms of the growling and clean vocals, a departure from their previous album The Path We’ve Never Made, which leaned more towards the clean vocals.  Seemingly one major thing that doesn’t work well for the album is the fact that the last two of three tracks, “Dawn” and “Stone Heart Blood (outro),” are instrumentals, which in a way, brings things to a slower finish than I would have liked.  While those tracks are just as characteristic of the band’s overall style, having the album end that way kind of takes away from the overall product, just to be picky.

One could argue that Alkonost is an underrated Russian folk metal band.  However, they are much more than that, as their overall sound is a combination of traditional folk and gothic metal.  Those who know about Alkonost will not be disappointed with Stone Heart Blood while those who are just getting to know the band will find much to like about the album.  There are low points on the album, but none should really take away from the listening experience. 

Alkonost - Stone Heart Blood

January 27, 2009

Reviewer: Peter

Release Date: February 19th, 2007
Label: Metalism Records

TRACK LISTING

1. Time of the Rage
2. Temple of the Forest
3. Dark Days Shadows
4. Youth
5. Brotherhood of Steel
6. Dawn
7. Tracery of Sorrow
8. Stone Heart Blood (outro)


Total playing time: 39:19

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