12/15/2012

Graveland - Following the Voice of Blood (1997)

I suspect that Graveland are one of the bands that most and all black metal listeners discover through their early meanderings across the genre. Personally first hearing the band about twelve years ago through their debut, 'Carpathian Wolves' I can admit to originally be drawn to the band due to Graveland's central figure, Rob Darken, and his connection to Neo-Nazism, which oddly enough didn't even exist within his lyrical content. No, I don't fly that way, but even early on it was interesting to discover a band that might be distancing themselves from Satanism and extreme Anti-Christian hatred.

That debut must not have made an impression on me because I recall moving past the next few albums and landing on 'Immortal Pride' and 'Creed of Iron,' which I enjoyed more so, it was also the point where the band became a solo affair and the music continued onwards in a epic Viking/folk metal style not unlike Bathory's 'Hammerheart' & 'Twilight of the Gods.'

Never really forgetting but generally not paying attention to anything past those releases, Graveland came back into my mind within recent times when a friend told me of an amusing encounter with Rob through myspace, as well another friend told me that Rob's a hell of a nice guy and happily sends photos of burning churches to those he sees as allies. Then, a few months ago yet another friend inquired as to whether or not I'd heard this album and as you can imagine that paved the way for me to finally buying it and re-familiarizing myself with Wrocław, Poland Black/Pagan metal legends, Graveland.

Into the battle we go to win...
Originally released in '97, 'Following the Voice of Blood' was Graveland's last black metal record, as well it was the final album made with drummer Capricornus alongside him. Perhaps its most unique quality is Rob's jangly strummed folky riffs that although having the distortion and rawness of black metal still sound absolutely original - still to this day too! Although the production and instruments are underground in style, they still all shine through, especially the drum work, which has a very live and sort of rehearsal-ish loud quality to them. There's also the inclusion of thick majestic synth melodies, which escalate the songs to greater heights. Presence of a bass guitar is here too, though you'll have to open your ears a bit more to fully hear it.

The metal tracks (six of them) are all within the 8-12 minute range while three shorter two minute or so instrumental neo classical synth pieces are included. The metal tracks are surely epic in their delivery, often moving through various measures and sentiments along the way. The songs lyrics feel like ancient tales being told, almost like an elderly gentleman gathered around a huge fire with children around while he unveils truths from the past, but then that could partially be because 'White Hand's Power' is 'Lord of the Rings' related. Nevertheless, Rob and Capricornus hit their mark on this one and although the songs are long, sometimes even repetitive, they don't seem to zigzag and become boring, but slowly develop into something grander in their overall scope.

The three synth songs, 'Intro,' 'Forge of Souls' and 'Outro' are all well placed, and serve as a breather from the metal portions of the album, although the heroic nature rarely ceases, but rather just gets the listener ready for the next legendary account. 'And the Horn Was Sounding Far Away' actually opens with a few minutes of slowly building synthetics, before breaking out into one of the albums harshest songs too.

There's no doubt in my mind that Graveland present a test of patience through these nine lengthy tunes, but after numerous listens the style and the flow of the album really sticks with me. Through breathtaking majesty, an incredible atmosphere, generally outstanding musicianship and great song writing 'Following the Voice of Blood' is a journey well worth taking.

When approaching this album you'll have to keep in mind that its distinctively special and completely different from anything Scandinavian in style, but its because of records like this one that Eastern European musicians found inspiration to create their own brand of folk or synth influenced black metal and as such Graveland and Rob Darken deserve infinite amounts of respect.

2 comments:

  1. This is my favourite Graveland album, partially due the epic nature and partially due how distinct it sounds, like you mention on the review. I remember originally hearing two of the tracks as a dub of a promo tape (with really low sound to boot) and being both put off and intrigued by them. When I got to hear the full album I fell for it pretty soon afterwards. "Thurisaz" is probably my favourite of the tracks.

    If you haven't done so yet, I'd advice you to check out countrymates Veles' 2nd album "Black Hateful Metal" where Rob contributes, it's one of the few albums with a similar sound that come to my mind right now.

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    1. That's funny that you mention Veles since I used to own 'Night on the Bare Mountain' right about the time I bought 'Carpathian Wolves.' I honestly can't recall the Veles album too much, but I'm sure it would probably stick with me better now then it did back then. A shame on me for having the constant habit of selling stuff I don't like, I guess.

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