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"With "Viking Memories", Skald offers us a record of rare richness, deep and spiritual, which plunges us into the heart of the myths of the Far North."
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5/5
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Since their debut in 2018, the French of Skald have been living a fairy tale. Born from the mind of Christophe Voisin Boisvinet, the band has known how to surf on the viking folk fashion. The result is an EP and an album, "Le Chant des Vikings" sold 80,000 copies, and concerts everywhere, including the Hellfest. The continuation comes with "Viking Memories". This second opus has the task to install the band and to silence the grumpy people who don't understand that one can be French and be interested with sincerity and passion in other cultures.
The challenge will be to do as well as a remarkable first album, a folk ode to nature and pagan legends sung in ancient language. The album sees the departure of Mattjö leaving Justine and Pierrick as the only singers of the band. Written by Christophe, the disc is based on the writings of Snorri Stulursson, a 12th century Icelandic politician, poet and historian. This last one is our source of knowledge of the Nordic mythology and influenced many writings of which "The Lord of the Rings".
It plunges us into this rich mythology with songs exploring many themes and built with serious. They deal in particular with the Great Winter which announces the twilight of the Gods, the history of the kings of the seas or the history of Doggerland, the forgotten continent. It is a strong spiritual journey, in the tone of a Heilung, which takes the listener north on board a ship.
Singing in Old Norse does a lot for authenticity. Justine and Pierrick capture this ancient spirit with rare strength, making us feel the soul of the North. Musically the use of old instruments brings a lot, especially the skáldharpa created for the group which brings an irresistible artisanal side. And with titles like 'Fimbulvetr', 'Grotti', 'sækonungar' or even 'I Dansinum' and its Dead Can Dance spirit, we let ourselves be carried away to the North with the desire to stay in this extraordinary world.
"Viking Memories" is a brilliant confirmation of Skald's talent. The band has captured a certain spirit with talent. One can only recommend this record to anyone who wants to immerse himself in legends and a fascinating universe. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Fimbulvetr
02. Jörmungrund
03. Grótti
04. Norðrljós
05. Sækonungar
06. Þistill Mistill Kistill
07. Sólarljóð
08. Víðförla
09. Hafgerðingar
10. Í dansinum
11. Ny´r
LINEUP:
Justine Galmiche: Chant
Pierrick Valence: Chant / Batterie / Nyckelharpa, Skáldharpa, Violoncelle
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(0) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
4/5 (2 view(s))
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STAFF:
4.2/5 (4 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH SKALD
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