Svartsot
From: Randers, Denmark

Discography: Ravenes Saga (2007)   Svartsot is a folk metal band that formed in 2005 and after releasing the demos, “Svundne Tider” and "Tvende Ravne", in 2006 was signed to Napalm Records. In 2008 the band purged itself of over half its members citing “creative differences”. The current line up is a follows:   Thor Bager- vocals Cristoffer Frederiksen- lead guitar, mandolin Cliff Nemanim- rhythm guitar James Atkin- bass Danni Jelsgaard- drums Hans-Jorgen Martinus Hansen- Iris whistles, accordion Stewart C. Lewis- whistles, bodhran, axes   Svartsot is part of the new wave of folk metal bands, and as such I love them. They share similar sounds with Ensiferum and Blackguard, but add their own twist of stylized heathen fun. Don’t pass Svartsot up just because you cant easily pronounce their name at your local record shop.   Links: www.myspace.com/svartsot

Blackguard is just good, I really don’t know what else to say about this Canadian Folk Metal outfit than that. Blackguard is able to blend elements of death, power, and Scandinavian folk metals to deliver a record (Profugus Mortis) that redefines the folk metal genre.  Being their first major label release, I am excited to see what the future holds for this outfit. Here is “This Rounds on Me” from their album Profugus Mortis. Be sure to check out Blackguard on tour this winter with Ensiferum, Ex Deo, and Hypocrisy. Dates here.

Ensiferum’s new album “From Afar”, dropped today and it has rock our world and speakers over here at Metal Call-Out.  Mixed by H.I.M producer Kai "Hiili" Hiilesmaa, and featuring a Normad cover (special edition only), “From Afar” is a heroically solid and all around enjoyable folk metal release. In support of their new album, Ensiferum will be hitting the road in November with Ex Deo, Blackguard, and Swashbuckle(!). Go pick up this record today! 

Click here for tour dates.