Gwydion – Horn Triskelion (2010) Review
YOUTUBEI have really been enjoying this latest album from Gwydion. Hailing from Portugal, this epic viking metal outfit has toured with some of the big names in Viking metal. Lately they were on tour with Týr and Alestorm.
The entire album is good and there are parts that are absolutely excellent. I really like their use of clean vocals and choruses. It really adds an extra epic layer to an already epic sound. They also use a lot of female vocals and layer them over the harsh vocals. They even break into an operatic duet with male and female vocals in the track “The Terror Of The Northern”. It’s quite pretty music.
There is variety in the harsh vocals. The standard style is similar to what one would expect from epic metal or viking metal. However, sometimes they sing while still using a harsh voice. Some would argue that this style is better described as “gruff clean vocals”. Whatever it is, this vocal style reminds me a lot of Baalberith’s vocals (from Obtest). And that is always a good thing. Obtest rocks!
Keyboards are used heavily throughout the album but they are never the focus. There are no keyboard solos. They are mostly there to support the guitar and add thickness to the sound. It’s just as it should be. There are also accordions and bagpipes featured on some of the tracks. When the accordion kicks in they remind me a bit of Korpiklaani, though they have a more melodic and epic sound. Lastly, they do break out the acoustic guitar here and there. There is even a folk track featuring the acoustic guitar, flute, bagpipe, and hand drum (from the sound of it).
Every track is worth a listen. However, there are a few that really outshine the rest. Hence the 7.9/10 instead of a higher score. The best songs are amazing and the rest are still good.
If you are into epic metal, viking metal, or even folk metal you should check these guys out. I keep coming back to it (and that means a lot when you think about how big my metal library is).
1 Comment
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20 Apr 2010, 3:51 pm
Portuguese vikings?
Is that like an oxymoron?
"Keyboards are used heavily throughout the album but they are never the focus. There are no keyboard solos."
This.
Guitar centered bands ftw!
I am liking its very symphonic and musical. Instrumentals are like an orgasm in my ear.
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