Sword Chant

Yesterday, the band BLACK MESSIAH released their new album they have entitled "Heimweh". Look at the artwork aside. Today, new EP's have seen the daylight! Early this month, I interviewed the young band  DEMOTERION . Their very first EP entitled "Prometheus" is now released.

Today, "Legacy of the Heathen North" album by PIMEÄ METSÄ is out now! TRACKLIST: 01. Utgard Threat (intro) 02. Warmarch of the Jotuns 03. The Wolves' Rebellion 04. Varangian Odyssey 05. Stormy Night 06. Kaamos (instrumental) 07. Jörmungandr 08. Journey of the Sleipnir Scions 09. Olut! 10. Anthems of Conquest 11. Pimeä Metsä

The Brazilian band MORRIGAM released their first EP entitled "Anhanga". TRACKLIST: 01 - Massacre 02 - Corpo Seco 03 - Kurupir 04 - Anhangá

Actually, I deleted the page to create a new one here  and two new threads in the forum.  One to the folk metal space  and the other one to the new "folk discussion" forum. The Community of Sword Chant is not just me, the founder but many people registered and they are with the will to support bands too.  So, I gave them opportunity to do it better in the forums.  Their posts will be linked to the all new page so called "They Need You!" from this website you are reading now. The new page is right in the middle, in the menu.  This is the link:  http://sword-chant.blogspot.com/p/they-need-you.html

From now, Pagan/Folk Music gets its own space in our forum. You already know the "Pagan Folk & Folk Music Bands" forum that I shortened the name to "Folk Bands" but now is also one Folk Discussion forum, and I added there the old topics on that matter, we had already in Sword Chant. That space is available below the official Fejd forum. Last but not least, Below the banners of Månegarm & Fejd are links to Live Events, Folk Metal (2013 / 2014) & Folk (2014).  I didn't include the Medieval festivals 2013 there. The number of recent topics goes from 20 to 18 threads viewable now. I think those links are catchy more. More to come.

Bands ADAVANT, APPALACHIAN WINTER and NORTHERN OAK need you to reach their goal! ADAVANT and NORTHERN OAK are doing their best for their new album, but they need some of your help! And we can only support APPALACHIAN WINTER together with NINE GATES RECORDS who are doing their best to help one little girl fighting hard against cancer. Find infos and links to help APPALACHIAN WINTER, their label, ADAVANT, and NORTHERN OAK here:  http://sword-chant.blogspot.com/p/help-these-bands.html New link:  http://sword-chant.blogspot.com/p/they-need-you.html

Before were available links for details and reviews only, over there.  I added also links to interviews in Sword Chant, the ones related with the folk metal albums to come out. Of course, all interviews don't mean to be strictly always about one new album.... The listing for all interviews is always available, but if that new addition to these albums-listings may also help purchasing some albums and help some bands and labels a bit. : ) It will be the same for the upcoming folk albums once i'll have the opportunity. So, what Celtic / Medieval / Pagan Folk band needs one interview? ^^

FOLK METAL EVENTS 2014: I removed the past events of 2013 and included more fests'n' gigs planned for the next year in the world, to this page available to the left of this website at anytime. CELTIC, MEDIEVAL, PAGAN FOLK BANDS GIGS AND MEDIEVAL FAIRS 2014 Sometimes ago, I announced things will move for the Folk side of Sword Chant. Strong Identity in Folk Metal is Sword Chant but I support also the celtic, medieval and pagan folk bands since I founded this site. Only, it is a bit hard to create all new bands threads and so on, everytime for one person sharing many bands news, caring for the site, etc... while folk metal is in big expansion (!) but I am proud how Sword Chant became over the years as I know they are many bands to appreciate this website too. (I got the proof today, again lol). 

Today is the day for all their fans and listeners! Remember all my calls and recalls to help the GWYDION guys with their fundraiser campaign...  Because of you all who fed their campaign,  this good band could finalyze their new album, released today:

LOCATION :  Ireland Status :  Active Music :  Celtic Folk MEMBERS : Cillian Doheny : tenor banjo, guitar Jos Kelly : button accordion, keyboard Darren Roche : button accordion Ted Kelly : tenor banjo Paddy Hazleton : percussions HISTORY : The Irish Moxie is a Folk band founded in 2011. Their music has a solid traditional backbone. Jazz, rock, bluegrass and world music rhythms and harmonies are creatively structured around this base treating the listener to layers of rich and intricate sounds as the band deliver a punchy programme of both their own compositions and old tunes with a new emerald vibe. RECORDINGS : Moxie, EP 2012 Planted, album 2014  [  details  ] The Place Above, single 2021 The Dawn of Motion, album 2021 WEBSITES : Moxiemuso.com Facebook Twitter Instagram Soundcloud Youtube Contact :   moxiemuso@gmail.com Find more information on Sword Chant : - Band news

Hi folks! Can you remember that link below ?  http://plus.google.com/115947801221302178166  ...I ain't sure... : )

The band TROLL BENDS FIR released today via Soundage Prod . their new album entitled "Hopheart".  I interviewed Troll from the band about that new record. You can find all the "Hopheart" details in the interview and below, the tracklist with tracks titles also translated to English:

The French band DRENAÏ faced BUCOVINA, DEMOTERION, DIABULA RASA, FANGÖRN, MYRKVEDR, OL' JOLLY ROGER, and UNSHINE inside our arena . The young and heroic band from Normandy found the power also because of their great listeners! Learn more on this band and enjoy their demo here: A rising thunder by Drenaï

Soon, your patience will be over. Tomorrow will be out the all new CORVUS CORAX entitled "Gimlie". Of course, this won't be free but that visual is :)

I interviewed the band EPHYRA . They released their debut album lately. Hi EPHYRA! You just released your debut album. Can you explain us what means the bandname ? Matteo: Hi Krissy, yes of course.. If you search on google, you will find a lot of suggestive meanings for the word “Ephyra”.. well, none  of those meanings is the right one. The name “Ephyra” was born thanks to a videogame of the far 2001, “Severance: Blade of Darkness”. We liked the sound of the word “Ephyra” and we decided to use it as the name of the band and also as the name of the fantasy kingdom where our songs take life. In fact, you can find our band/kingdom name in the lyrics of 2 tracks. 02. Why have you chosen that name for your band ? Matteo: Because this name is evocative of a far and fantastic world. 03. Back in 2005, EPHYRA was a death metal cover band and then, you’ve got several line-up changes. Nowadays are those fantasy-medieval influences in the band. Can you tell us who is/a...

LOCATION : San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA Status : Active Music : Folk Metal MEMBERS : Juan Saldana : vocals Andres Montanez : guitar, backing vocals Giovanni Burgos : guitar Ricardo Alvelo : bass guitar, backing vocals Fernando Merced : drums Past members : Roberto Fernandez : drums Victor Melendez : keyboard HISTORY : Equester was founded in september 2013 by two college friends Andres Montanez and Ricardo Alvelo Eventually the line-up was completed after the rest of the band members arrived.The first songs were composed by Andres before the band was founded. The band’s name comes from the latin word eques which means rider or horseman. The band incorporates folk influences such as caribbean and european melodies and folk instruments synthesized by a keyboard. The lyrical themes are also about war, feasts, and mythical creatures.  RECORDINGS : Demo 2014 WEBSITES : Facebook Twitter Youtube Contact :  equesterpr@gmail.com

LOCATION :  Buenos Aires, Argentina Status :  Active Music :  Folk Metal MEMBERS : Franco Tempesta : vocals, mandolin, mouth harp Tomás Vega : guitar, backing vocals Past members : Alan Puyol : keyboards, orchestration, arrangements, piccolo, transverse flute Fernando Bonino (ex-Tengwar, Dolmen) : drums Frank Schiavone : bass, backing vocals HISTORY : Skull & Bones is a pirate metal band founded in 2011, The complete line-up appeared early 2013. The name is a reference to the fearsome and remarkable design of the Jolly Roger flag, an emblem of pirate symbology. The band takes on themes based on the golden age of piracy, with references from both real historical characters of the period as well as fiction from the genre. Skull & Bones evokes this background through a combination of the most distinctive features of power metal with symphonic influences and folk melodies. This way, it accomplishes a unique musical style of its own. De...

A special thanks to all our followers who supported and congratulated the 6th anniversary of Sword Chant , yesterday. And a special thanks to the following Folk Metal bands for their support! HEIDRA: Dear Sword Chant, In todays world, where information is overwhelmingly everywhere, where the amount of bands of all genres fill the internet and  social media worse than in a Chinese traffic jam, the panorama for a starting band seems almost as dark and chaotic as a midnight storm . Just trying to visualize getting out of this band traffic jam seems nothing but an utopic dream of the golden age of rock. But there are some in this chaos that do give some light to guide you  through the storm. Sword Chant has been a lighthouse, a breather, a guide. Heidra has nothing else but to thank Krissy  for the huge effort and time she has invested in us and in other bands, giving space to be heard and to keep us in the spot light. There is no doubt that her passion and dedicati...

Today is a special day for Sword Chant. 6 years ago, I founded the forum. I have written some words for the event and the evolution of the site. Enjoy, folks!

LOCATION :  Toulon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France Status :  Active Music :  Folk Metal MEMBERS : Jennifer "Galraédià" : lead vocals Patrice : lead vocals, keybards, accordion Akira Lou Métèque : bass, backing vocals Steph : guitar Krout : drums, backing vocals Past members : Greg : guitar Tom : drums, backing vocals HISTORY : Les Alabres is a folk metal band from France inspired by the medieval times. The first rehearsals of the band began in 2006. The next year, they composed the first songs and a first demo could be in 2009. After several line-up changes in 2011, the band releases another demo. RECORDINGS : La Peste, demo 2009 Couché Tard, demo 2011 Ah que nos Pères étaient Heureux!, album 2012 Blanche biche, EP 2013 [ details ] Ballade de merci, album 2014 [ details ] Le roy englois, album 2017 Le mal de Saint Guy, album 2021 WEBSITES : Alabres.fr Facebook Soundcloud Youtube Contact :   alabres1917@gmai...

LOCATION :  Como, Lombardy, Italy Status :  Active Music :  Folk Metal MEMBERS : Nadia Casali : vocals Francesco Braga : vocals John Tagliabue : drums Patrick Segatto : bass Marco Borghi : guitar Past members : Germano Rondena : bass, choirs Simone Imperiale : keyboards, choirs Matteo Santoro : guitars, choirs Paolo Diliberto : guitars, choirs Alessandra Biundo : bBass HISTORY : The band founded in 2005 and the name comes fro m a video game "Severance: Blade of Darkness”. After several line-up changes in 2009, the band starts to compose music unlike previously since they covered various death metal bands. Fantasy and medieval worlds influence EPHYRA. RECORDINGS : Ephyra, demo 2009 Journey, album 2013 [ details ] Along the Path, album 2015 [ details ] Jingle Bells, single 2016 [ details ]  The Day of Return, album 2018 Leave My Place, single 2022 WEBSITES : Ephyra.it Facebook Youtube Instagram Contact :  ...

The debut  EPHYRA  (ITA) album made of 10 tracks is entitled "Journey". TRACKLIST:

I interviewed Guzten from the Swedish band IRMINSUL ; questions mainly on the upcoming album entitled "Fäder". 01. Hi Guzten! Sadly, I know there are some people who still haven’t heard IRMINSUL music. So, can you tell us how exactly was founded this project of band ? Me and Robin met thru a mutual friend and found out that we shared the interest of music soon. We started to make and record songs on my computer in my home. One friend of mine that listens to the biblical name Josef heard some songs and wanted to start a band and then, asked us if we were interested. We said yes and he introduced us to Jonas whom he had played with in a band during their school years. We didn’t really know what kind of music we wanted to play except that it should be some kind of metal of course... We had made some songs before as mentioned, all in different genres but then I made a song called "Vavtrudner" with lyrics from Edda. The music was as far from perfect as it probably...

The Fallen Angel Productions released a limited box set including 8 recordings from 1996 to 2010 by the French band BELENOS. You can order it here:  http://back69.com.ne.kr/

The DEMOTERION folks are from Italy. This is a pretty young band since they founded early this year. They will release their first EP soon and I interviewed them for you to know them better. :) 01. Hi DEMOTERION! You founded the band early this year but how? Can you give us details ?  Alen Foglia: Hello Sword Chant, well, let's say the group was initially founded by myself and the other guitarist Gianmarco while we spoke music after a concert of his old group ‘’Chemical Warfare’’. Then we set ourselves quite a bit to do, to find the other members because this is very difficult to find musicians in Abruzzo (Italy) who listen to Folk Metal and derivatives. We found all the components we began to compose without specific frameworks or guidelines set, only what we felt we had to express, and so it turned out'' Prometheus''. So far this is our history and we cannot complain haha. 02. Your lyrics deal with Paganism. What religion ? Riccardo Litta: The l...

Early 2014, the Canadian band SCYTHIA will release a new album entitled "…Of Conquest". That last is engineered/produced by Lasse Lammert (Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Halcyon Way, Svarsot) at LSD Studios in Lubeck, Germany, with co-production by Shaun Thingvold (Strapping Young Lad, Lamb of God, Fear Factory). The album is mixed by Nino Laurenne (Ensiferum, Wintersun, Kiuas, Firewind) at Sonic Pump Studios on Helsinki, Finland. Mastering credits go to Svante Forsback (Rammstein, Firewind, Korpiklaani, Apocalyptica) at Chartmakers in Helsinki, Finland. You may find in "…Of Conquest" some mixing of  progressive, melo death & power metal  added of some folk elements.

I interviewed Luca Arzuffi from SPELLBLAST , about the line-up of the band, the new album and the next plans for the band. Questions have been made before the revelations of the new record details. 01. Hi Luca! Lately, you spent a lot of time in the studio to record the forthcoming SPELLBLAST, did it happen well ? Hi Krissy, yes, it was a very intense year for me and the other guys of the band but I must say that the result is great! It was a pleasure to work with my Band on such an ambitious project. 02. Did it happen well also for the two new members, Daniele Scavoni and Michele Olmi? Did they already have experience Studio recording in past ? The two ''new entries'' didn't have much experience in studio in the past, but they've revealed good musicians, serious and professional.

I interviewed Konstantin, also known as "Troll" from TROLL BENDS FIR . The interview deals with their forthcoming record and the band itself. 01. Hi Konstantin! These days, you are passing a lot of time with recordings in the studio. How is it going for the new TROLL BENDS FIR album ? It’s recorded, mixed and today I got its final version with mastering! So it’s ready! 02. So, you are currently working on your next album entitled “Hopheart”, what means that word for you ? Well, as you know, we play “Beer folk” and this album isn’t an exception. “Hopheart” is the utter combination of music and beer. 03. Your previous cd so called “Brothers in Drinks” was made in two steps. TROLL BENDS FIR released one first EP “Oktoberfest” and another EP “Hoplnir” later… Then, these two EP’s were re-released in one cd later and so, “Brothers in Drinks” was born. What was the idea behind these editions in those times ?

LOCATION :  East Sussex, England Status :  Active Music :  Folk Metal MEMBERS : Grand Master Jaldaboath (James Fogarty) : guitars, vocals, keyboards Sir Bodrick : bass The Mad Monk (Milton Peterson) : drums (studio) Kobro : drums (live) HISTORY : Grand Master Jaldaboath founded the band in 2007. They desxcribe theirmusic as "Templar Metal". The band takes their inspiration from history: medieval times, the templars, crusades, knights, troubadours etc. and approach these themes in a humourous way. RECORDINGS : Hark The Herald, EP 2008 The Rise of the Heraldic Beasts, album 2010 The Further Adventures..., album 2014 WEBSITES : Facebook Reverbnation Contact :   jboath@gmail.com Find more information on Sword Chant : - Band news

The band  GLITTERTIND  released another single, entitled "Kvilelaus" that is about Life. The song title means "Restless" and this is the 5th track from their upcoming album so called " Djevelsvart " to be out this November 22nd. You can purchase Kvilelaus single to that link . A release party for the new album is planned for December 13th in Oslo and the other band to play there is BERGTATT. In my opinion, it sounds already promissing. : ) BUCOVINA released their new album entitled "Sub Stele". This is the artwork:

The bands battle for this month taking place here  is online and this, until November 15th of 2013. The lucky fighters are: - BUCOVINA - DEMOTERION - DIABULA RASA - DRENAÏ - FANGÖRN - MYRKVEDR - OL' JOLLY ROGER - UNSHINE As always, the battles are for bands promotion so,  I don't want to ban another band as it previously happened. Now, its time to support your favorite band!  Guests are invited to tick their favorite too! Enjoy! : )

I interviewed Thurisaz, Hagal and Runar from MYRKVEDR , mainly about their debut album out since october 30th. 01. Hi MYRKVEDR ! October 30th was released your Debut-album entitled « The Sons of Muspell ». Are you satisfied with the result ? Thurisaz: Very much so indeed! Myself and the others are very excited about this album. It contains several music styles that we all like personally, Folk metal, Death metal, Black metal and dare I say even a hint of Power metal. Hagal: Yes, the result is very much as the original vision for the band. Heavy, dirty, non-commercial and filled to the edge with bravery and epic awesomeness! 02. Where was recorded, mixed and mastered the album ? Hagal: The album has been recorded and mixed at Tåget Studios in Borås, Sweden. The mastering actually took place in my private studio.

From now and from everywhere worldwide, you can preorder the debut album by TROLLWAR entitled "Earthdawn Groves". The band published some tracks already and made a teaser for their album available below: Reminder of the artwork and tracklist :

I interviewed Dennis Anzalone, known here for being a HENDERWYD band member before,  and now a full member in LOU QUINSE band. 01. Hi Dennis! You were part of the band HENDERWYD when I met you and then, you left the band... Have you got some nice experiences with HENDERWYD ? Sure I have! HENDERWYD was the first band wherewith I played live for the first time in my life and it was also the first band wherewith I recorded the first songs. In the past, I had only one hard rock/ heavy metal project that never saw the light so I can say that HENDERWYD was my first real band. It's important to say that thanks to this band, I was introduced into folk metal. The nicest experience with them was playing at Fosch Fest 2012, for the first time I played on a big stage in front a lot of people and that was truly a blast! I'll never forget it! 02. So, you and Michèle Tron, also from HENDERWYD, have joined LOU QUINSE sometimes after quit your previous band, What happened insid...