The Wolves of Avalon – Y Gododdin
The Wolves of Avalon – Y Gododdin
Godreah Records
Release Date: 25/11/22
Running Time: 28:00
Review by Paul Hutchings
7/10
The Wolves of Avalon’s fourth album tells the story of the Gododdin, the northern warriors documented in ancient poems by the Welsh bard Aneirin. The band, formed by Metatron (The Meads Of Asphodel) and songwriter James Marinos, have also called in reinforcements with Tony ‘Demolition Man’ Dolan (Venom Inc), Thurios (Drudkh), Hoest (Taake), Wulfstan (Forefather) and Nico Millar (Aklash).
The result is a 28-minute blend of darkened metal and folk, combining melancholic passages with sweeping cinematic elements that confuse, surprise and delight in equal measure. Ignore the rather awful piece of artwork that looks like a fifth year’s computer project and let your blood be stirred by the anthemic songs that cascade forth. There’s the opening ‘Through the Murdering Night’, the powerful and stirring ‘Men of Gododdin’, and the swirling, semi-Hawkwind exploration of The Shining Company. All bring something different in style and tempo, whilst delivering the story and boiling everything in one dramatic manner.
Using different voices, changes of pace and linking to the past, The Wolves of Avalon have produced a dramatic, evocative, and passionate release. ‘Dead Men’s Cloaks’ combines dark, sombre parts with soaring segments to create a storyboard based on swords, spears, bravery, and pledges to fight until the death. Like the Meads of Asphodel, this is music steeped in the ancient ways, of history long forgotten through the ages. By the time you reach the finale, ‘Is This How It’s Meant to Be’, with its intricate instrumental passages, you’ll either be searching for the band’s other releases or recoiling in horror at the tweeness of the whole album.
However, it grabs you, there’s no doubting the quality of the musicianship and the overall concept. It is unlikely to be for everyone, but if you like your pagan folk metal, then it is most definitely worth a listen.
‘Men Of Gododdin’ Official Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Through the Murdering Night
02. Men of Gododdin
03. The Shining Company
04. Dead Men’s Cloaks
05. Is This How It’s Meant to Be
LINE-UP:
Metatron – Vocals
James Marinos – Bass/Rhythm Guitar/Keyboards/Backing Vocals
Steve Wallace – Lead Guitar
Mike Lewin – Lead Guitar
Steve Clark – Drums
LINKS:
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