Wow, this album exceeded my modest expectations and delivers some of Eluveities strongest material in a decade. All of
the singles were great, but Premonitions early stood out as a clear winner, and remains a high-point here with its
ripping solo and professional display of Eluveities tested formula. Elsewhere, Fabiennes vocal talent is taken full
advantage of, as she features prominently throughout the runtime. Chrigels growl, though never far away, plays more of
a supporting role. Id have to tentatively assert that the band has found their most organic and natural balance between
the folk-y compositional side, and their gravelly metallic underpinnings. At a breezy 40 minutes, Anv is also a digestible
and approachable package, with interludes that are exciting and interesting, particularly the likes of Memories of
Innocence, rather than serving any filler-function or adding to the fatigue of a padded run-time. Eluveitie basically feel
as strong as ever, and I for one am happy to see what appears to be the most earnest and dedicated folk-metal act
continue to succeed.
2 Bumps | Bump |
