Rota

Wyrd are definitely one of those bands who deserve to be called "criminally underrated." Wyd play a form of epic, folky, melodic black metal, releasing an album on average every year for the last 7 years, and are still mostly unknown. They garnered a slight amount of notice with the Vargtimmen series of albums, but few discuss Wyrd at the lofty heights they deserve to be. Wyrd are one of the few bands who tweak their formula every album just enough to be fresh and original while still retaining their distinct sound, and "Rota" is no different. Strangely, it is almost impossible to find any reviews for this album, as even the rarer "Ghost Album" has reviews online....considering this album is as high of a quality as the other releases, it is a small wonder no one has seemingly reviewed it. Nevertheless...

"Rota" has most of the Wyrd trademarks: epic songs nearing 15 minutes in length interspersed with shorter, generally faster songs, accompanied by at times very melodic guitars, tremolo picking, and commanding vocals. They started really embracing their doomy side on this album, with a mid-period Katatonia influence beginning to show itself, which would be fully realized on the incredible follow-up, "The Ghost Album." Clean vocals are still a little underdeveloped, which has always been an issue with Wyrd, but they are somewhat endearing at the same time. Acoustics are used, but fear not, Wyrd are far too capable to ovevruse the acoustic gimmick in an attempt to be folky. For Wyrd, the very riffs themselves and the atmosphere are what makes this folk metal, not unnecessary use of folk instruments and acoustic guitars. The simple synth and acoustic parts add to, rather than detract from, what Wyrd are attempting in each song, and are nice accents to some of the harsher, tremolo-heavy parts. Also, the total folk stomp-fest of the second track, "Gotterdamerung" is amazing, and an early highlight of the album; no small feat considering it follows the absolutely massive, near 15-minute opener.

Unlike many folk bands as well, Wyrd also know how to be harsh, and the "black" element in "folk black metal" is fully present. Blast beats and tremolo riffs with harsh screaming (more mid-pitched than most black metal) are frequent occurances. Production is clear, but still rather raw, just like a good black metal production should be.

Wyrd began their career with a bang with the 51-minute, one song "Heathen" album, and have been slowly and steadily perfecting their craft over time. "Rota" is a good transitional album between the heavily folk-laden earlier days and the slightly doomier style with folk elements they have now embraced. Although maybe not the first Wyrd album I would recommend picking up, it is a no-brainer for Wyrd fans, and for anyone into the folkier side of black metal, Wyrd are certainly worth your time.