Asgard

These damn Adorned Brood albums are almost impossible to find in the U.S but I got lucky with this one. This third album by Adorned Brood continues with the Celtic and Medieval influenced blackened metal that I know them for. Having only heard their first album I must say that this is slightly better. As highly thought of as the first album is this one is just a bit tighter all around. The recording is supreme and the acoustics on this album are perfectly played. For example the track “Magic Nights” shows that they can put together some truly epic folk tunes while maintaining a rough sound. There are more flutes used here and combined with some great harpsichord and piano moments it just adds to the marvelously well-mixed style of splendor and harshness. You can’t say that about just any band that plays this style because most fail at what this band seemingly has a knack for. You’re either going to be impressed by the first-rate musicianship and intense sound of the group or you’ll just not appreciate what your mind cannot grasp.

I like this style of music wherein the guitars and otherwise metal instruments are entwined with classical or troubadorish style instruments. THis is a good rendition of such a style. Since everything sounds like it is meant to be together, other than having the flute and harpsichords and whatnot sounding like they were superimposed on top of the music. It is good celtic-like styled Melodic Death Metal with some clean male and female vocals.

Overall i would definitely say that this band kicks some ass. Good for listening when there is not a chaotic setting in the environment you are listening to it in.

THis is obviously for those who like classical and troubadorish and celtic influenced shit, as well as those fans of Melodic Death who enjoy some acoustic type stylings in their music.