With 20 years experience in the music scene, originator Dominic St. Charles brings the world, his next dark folk metal vision with Urn. Cradled in its new home in the clutches of Dark Moon Records via Dark Moon Productions. Inspired by and compared to Opeth, Nighwish and Finntroll among others, they have recorded a record bent in the classical elements of folk metal with hints of paganism. You could dance a jig to some tunes and head bang to most. While the majority of the record gives off a good feeling there are moments of gloom and treachery.
They have blazed self-made trails through Chicago, Toronto, New Orleans, Detroit and Indianapolis, along with headline appearances at The International Body Art Expo in Columbus, Paganstock in Michigan, Doomsday Metal Fest in Milwaukee and The Long Black Veil in New York. They have also supported a wide myriad of bands like Epica, Moonspell, Leaves Eyes, Ensiferum, Finntroll, Tyr, and The Genitorturers. With full-tour direct support to Tarja Turunen.
The journey started mid-nineties in Cleveland, traveling to Chicago in 1998. They started touring nationally in 2001 on their first self-released Consecrated Ashes EP followed by second EP Desecrated Ashes in 2003. With a hardcore DIY attitude they self-booked national tours everywhere including debut shows in Canada and Mexico. They signed with Rotting Corpse Records in late 2005, and released full-length Dancing with the Demigods in July.
Scribing’s of a Forgotten Soul came in 2009. Then two years later, they relocated to Orlando, to refuel and recharge leading to a deal with Dark Moon Records and their new album Epiphany available now. They have earned praise and distinction from both the mainstream metal and extreme underground communities.
The eleven songs on Epiphany speak of trials, tribulations with the voices of the gods, choirs and ye gentlemen flowing from the keys and synthesizers. Happy Irish music melds with death metal growls, heavy guitars and mostly clean vocals. Almost leading to a false sense of rocking relaxation until the exhales of hell come up, from behind like a monster ready for a predatory attack.
“Autumnal Sunrise” starts with a folky Butler bass line into happy folkish riffs and glorious morning keys, sweetened by female vocals.
“Cast in Amber” washes in ethereal sythn as bass and vocals tell the tale of its creation. Guitars turn up the heavy prog, mid-point with a feeling of triumph in the majestic sounds.
“Black Widow” brings out the evil that some women do, and enjoy. Heavy plotting guitars and thick bass as vocals tell the calculated, conniving plan of the spell-binding bewitcher. The unknowing selected prey anointed to be assimilated into her web won’t be told in time. Clean vocals and growls team up for this one as heavy riffs and battling notes combat her venomous touch.
“When the Rain has Fallen” smells of Irish springs plowed and pillaged by guitars, flutes and other loud plunder. The rain cleanses the mind, heart and soul.
“My Chosen Path” is a battle of moods and personalities struggling for a sole permanent home. Somber notes play to, disparaged but delusional content vocals. The inhabited, hauled up in a lightless darkened room fighting mental doom as growls come in wreaking havoc with thunder bass and guitars. Voices arrive, twisting, turning and pulling in all directions, trying to pull away any bit of sanity for them-selves.
“Brisk Snowfall” has a barn sit down acoustic jam feel, despite the breath seeing drafty atmosphere. Lady winter makes her appearance felt, adding a chilly cameo.
“Silently I’m Screaming” is encased in melody with a thick Maiden like vibe with guitar interplay giving the music a heavy historical feel and epic quality.
“Epiphany” could be their ode to Opeth.
