Sword Chant

EX DEO is back with a new song "Vespasian" taken from the forthcoming EP titled "Year Of The Four Emperors". The EP’s closing track is an anthem of resilience and renewal. Vespasian emerges as a figure of stability amid the chaos, and the music reflects his calculated strength. Triumphant melodies intertwine with thunderous percussion, capturing his consolidation of power and the restoration of Rome’s fractured empire. The lyrics exalt Vespasian as the harbinger of a new era, culminating in a resounding declaration of victory and legacy. His reign ushers in the Flavian dynasty and a semblance of peace.

The French band TAOUARH made a video for their "Hanter-dro - 'Vern doc’h a venn e tan".

 The NORDEIN album "Bergart" is out now on all these platforms .

December 12th, 2024 will be released the debut MIRRORSHIELD album entitled "Visions from a Crystal Light". TRACKLIST 01. The Messenger 02. Of Ancient Note 03. Osthill Mystic 04. Petalfig’s Path 05. Of Orcs and Men 06. Ash Falls Upon the Dead Earth 07. Evergreen 08. Respite (instrumental) 09. Woods of Oryana 10. Dawn’s Embrace 11. Battlemage Requiem Earlier this year, the folk/power metal band from Australia unveiled this video shot as a parody of B and C grade bargain bin movies from the 80s while also being the direct opposite to big budget music videos  The song follows the story of Nif Petalfig and how she comes to be part of the group of heroes travelling north to the Evergreen Woods Early 2025 will be MIRRORSHIELD gigs in Australia,  and I count on you for a live report in our forums ! 😃

"Gouverneur of the Coco Island" is a new track of the upcoming STORM SEEKER album titled "Set the Sails".  ‘Gouverneur of the Coco Island’, tells the true story of one of the last treasure hunters of the 19th century. Infected by gold fever, August Gissler spent 17 years searching for the lost treasures of the pirate captains Thompson and Bonito on the Coco Islands - unsuccessful and penniless, he was finally forced to give up this adventure. His biography bears witness to a bygone world in which his name was supposed to stand alongside those of Charles Bellamy and Captain Kidd. ‘Gouverneur of the Coco Island’ is his story. About hopes, an iron will, a spirit of adventure and discovery. And about the cruel failure of a dream. The release available for preorder will be out March 14th, 2025. A German tour will be for STORM SEEKER while september and october 2025. TRACKLIST 01 - Quora Iunor 02 - Set the Sails 03 - Gouverneur of the Coco Island 04 - Homeward Bound 05 ...

On April 11, 2025, Italian pagan/folk metal masters Elvenking will release their highly anticipated new album "Reader of the Runes – Luna" via Reaper Entertainment. This album marks the spectacular conclusion to the Reader of the Runes trilogy, immersing listeners in a magical universe filled with mystery, hope, and darkness. TRACKLIST 01. Season of the Owl 02. Luna 03. Gone Epoch 04. Stormcarrier 05. Starbath 06. On These Haunted Shores 07. The Ghosting 08. Throes of Atonement 09. The Weeping 10. Reader of the Runes - Book II  “We are incredibly proud of how this trilogy comes to an epic conclusion,” explains guitarist Aydan. “Luna combines the medieval aura of Divination with the dark threat of Rapture. In this final chapter, everything is revealed—the identity of the Rune Reader and the connections between all the characters.” Lead vocalist Damna adds: “It’s been a long journey, starting back in 2018, and now we bring the story to its peak. The music in Luna is mysterious,...

WARDRUNA presents the title track of the upcoming album "Birna". The song illustrates a dialogue between man and bear, exemplifying the various traits and abilities we humans have sought to borrow from these significant totemic animals throughout history. The music video for “Birna” was filmed in Rondane National Park in Norway Birna album is available for pre-order . It will be released on January 24, 2025. TRACKLIST 01. Hertan                  02. Birna                    03. Ljos til Jord         04. Dvaledraumar   05. Jord til Ljos         06. Himinndotter      07. Hibjørnen              08. Skuggehesten    09. Tretale                 10. Lyfjaberg . 

 

No one wanted or needed it, but the folly of mankind has forced our hand! We present to you a catchy, timely Christmas track that captures the world’s rising anxieties and a sense of looming uncertainty. With doomsday seemingly closer, this song asks if we can still find the joy to celebrate Christmas and look forward to a brighter New Year. Perfectly positioned to be December’s earworm, it balances holiday cheer with a thought-provoking twist on the season’s spirit. Here , you can listen and get the song.

NORDEIN released some singles and an EP this year, them all available for streaming here : Singles from the upcoming album Sagaland Trollhjerte de NORDEIN Heimurinn Undir de NORDEIN Reisa EP Past records are available full stream on youtube.

Watch the official music video of ELUVEITIE’s new single ‘Premonition.’ Available on all music platforms  The song is taken from the band’s upcoming album, which will be released next year via Nuclear Blast Records.  The band will be on tour in Europe while January and February 2025.

After 15 years playing together, Rozenn TALEC & Yannig NOGUET released their 4th album titled "Melezour",  this breton word means "mirror". You can listen and get the record passing by that page .

Following the rapturous reception of Saxon Steel, SELLSWORD are back with New Gods!

The new ELVENKING single is available on these platforms . The band comments: “Throes of Atonement” reflects a big part of the atmospheres and the mood of this third and final chapter of the “Reader of the Runes” concept trilogy. It pays tribute to the epic power metal of the 90s, a significant influence for our early days to the extent that it could almost come out of our first album “Heathenreel”. This album delves into the past of the characters in this story, revealing the reasons behind the Reader of the Runes' wrath in the previous chapter. "Throes of Atonement" focuses on two characters, exploring adolescent jealousy and narrow-mindedness that ultimately lead to hatred and betrayal. For all the harm inflicted, whether intentional or unintentional, the ultimate punishments were penance and death."  The lyrics video is crafted by René Berthiaume (of Equilibrium). 

 Today, SUBWAY TO SALLY launched their new song "Stahl auf Stahl" in video: The track (ft.  WARKINGS ) is part of the " Post Mortem" album available for pre-order . The record set to be released on december 20th. TRACKLIST 01    Introitus 02    Phönix 03    Post mortem 04    Wunder 05    Nero 06    Unter dem Banner 07    Herz in der Rinde 08    Lumpensammler 09    Stahl auf Stahl 10    Atlas 11    Kummerkind 12    Eisheilige Nacht 13    Die Erde bebt

"The Fall" is the first single of the second KOSMOGONIA full-length studio album.  The song is about the beheading of Lykonas, from his lover Aella - Both are the main characters of the album story.

  Here, you can listen and get the new "Gobischkevrot!" album  by GOBLIN HOVEL. Gobischkevrot! de Goblin Hovel

 EWENAY unveiled their new single "Skudrinka".

 "Djupt inni skoga", the new NORRSINNT album is out on digital platforms. "Djupt inni skoga" means "Deep in the woods", and it brought delivery pains in the form of one of the worst winter storms I can remember in this area. The snowfilled northern winds knocked down many trees, many power lines were cut, and many people were left without electricity for long times. It also happened here, at the place of its creation, but the gifts of the woods, firewood, kept us warm in the dark. And today, all the modern wonders of electricity are back which allows me to let you know it is out in its final digital form. Up ahead there will be a physical CD brought to you by Earth And Sky Productions. This album is mainly a wrap-up of tracks that have been out on Bandcamp for a long time, given a new mix/master and a proper package with layout by the almighty Thomas Väänänen. It features members of Fejd , Byrdi and Myrkgrav on the track "Skogsmakt" and the ent...

VALLORCH comes back with a new line-up , a new single, and a new album set for march 2025 ! "Circle Of The Moon" is the name for their new single available now . This liberating anthem invites listeners to reconnect with nature and embrace the joy of living. Inspired by Cimbrian myths, the song captures the essence of the ancient dances to the Moon God Maano, celebrating freedom and authenticity.  The track is taken from their upcoming album entitled "The Circle", an album which explores the theme of the night in all its facets—from reflection and tranquility to celebration and connection. The album combines Vallorch’s signature folk metal sound with symphonic and power metal influences, blending vibrant melodies, heavy riffs, and a touch of melancholy. It distilled the essence of their sound, crafting an album that is both polished and emotionally resonant. It balances the simplicity and catchiness of "Neverfade" with the ambitious arrangements of "U...

A giant step for the band that I had to go and look on Douban, the Chinese social network, for talk with them to get information on the new band -at its beginnings, since we couldn't find any info in that time. And today,  NINE TREASURES shared the following news : Excited to announce that we have signed with Metal Blade Records ! We’ve always been inspired by heavy American and European bands. America and Europe are very important for us to tour and create a relationship with Metal music fans from these countries we admire. After more than five years in the making, our new record will finally be released next year! This new album is different from any of our past releases. We added focused production detail and evolved the way we write music. We are focused on big riffs and inspiring moments that takes our audience on a journey; that’s part of the tradition we grew up in. In the meantime, we’ll be teaming up with Metal Blade to re-release ‘Awakening From Dukkha’ as well as a rema...

The new FORJA record "Món Oblidat" (Forgotten World) is out now. The conceptual album explores the journey of self-discovery and rediscovery of Cassandra, a woman lost in the frustration of a gray life marked by modern urban routine. Her involuntary entry into the "Món Oblidat" traps her in a place inhabited by beings from Catalan mythology and folklore, losing herself in the night of time. She delves in, rediscovering herself through encounters with these beings. In this album, Cassandra's observant gaze transports us beyond space and time, accompanying her on a cross-border journey. Immersed in uncertainty, we can contact the essence and transform the collective where it unfolds. TRACKLIST 01-Món Oblidat 02-Fosques Bèsties 03-Pare Llop 04-Mare del Bosc 05-Vells Esperits 06-Filadora del Destí 07-El Comte... 08-Arnau! 09-El Clot de les Ànimes 10-Passat i Futur

KORPIKLAANI made an English version of their  Saunaan" song available on "Rankarumpu" album out now. Samuli Mikkonen commented: We’ve have played 'Saunaan' on every show after it was released and it has become a banger! Now it was about time to make an English version so everybody can understand our tribute to Finnish sauna culture. The message is simple: 'Sauna! To party is not a crime Do not miss the Finnish band currently on EU tour. They'll fly to the US in 2025. Check out our page for shows.

" Allta" album by the Irish band FOURWINDS is out now and in various editions (CD, LP, digital). Allta de FOURWINDS

BARLOVENTOS launched their new video for the song "Tortuga" taken from their upcoming album.

Words : Official lyrics Release : Untold Visions Thanks to the band for the sharing. Tracklist  : 01.  Transcend your Storm 02.  A Horizon's Endless Symphonies 03.  Delusions of your Flames 01. Transcend your Storm Untold visions - descend into the night - and depths of imagina on. From the hopeless shores the embers ignite Infinity implores the darkest light. The silence deep within an ageless eternity Where a journey ends.  We are lost to these waters ll the end of me When the oceans succumb and stars re-align Unprovoked incanta on from the envied heart We’re forsaken ll we depart. My white wings frozen-from the winters clench- we embrace the harsh reality. A thousand seasons pass, we traverse through centuries The sea of Moyle does cast its searing breeze. This endless solitude from the cloak of your disdain I’ll transcend your storm. We are lost to these waters ll the end of me When the oceans succumb and stars re-align Unprovoked incanta on from the envied ...

The Finnish band WARFARER released their debut album  'A Tale Beyond the Pale' available in digital and CD. A Tale Beyond the Pale de Warfarer

 KROMLEK returns with a new and double album titled  "III-III" & "Upphaf". The first part, entitled "III-III," is a collection of their latest compositions created over the past decade. These tracks were carefully produced at the Antric Light Records studio and mastered in 2024.  The second part, "Upphaf," offers a comprehensive retrospective of the band's history. Here, selected pieces are reworked, recorded, and produced anew to impressively document KROMLEK's musical evolution.  While their last album "Finis Terræ" (2011) dealt with the end of the world in various layers of meaning and interpretation, "III-III" turns to origins and beginnings, exploring the spiritual cosmos of pre-Christian philosophy and worldview To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their former label Trollzorn Records, the band reunited in 2023 for two selected best-of concerts before closing the chapter on KROMLEK. It is particularly notewo...

The German band released a new video :

That's with heavy heart I have to announce the keyboard player Edgard Brito ( TUATHA DE DANANN / KERNUNNA ) passed away from a heart attack in São Paulo, Brazil where, according to friends, he had traveled to see a show. TUATHA DE DANANN  band stated : It's never been so hard to post something on social media, folks! Our brother, "Master" Edgard, has passed away. We are devastated! The Master was certainly one of the best people to ever walk on this Earth, a great human being, a partner, brave, loyal friend and an absurd and rare talent. In Tuatha he created fabulous atmospheres, unique moods, solos and fantastic themes that only someone born on the same day as Mozart would be able. It's an irreparable loss not only for music, rock and metal, the world has lost an enlightened being! Rest in peace, bard of infinity! We love you! Yesterday, Edgard Brito's body was buried  in Varginha (MG). My deepest condolences to the Tuatha De Danann and Kernunna bands, and t...

Exactly 30 years after SUIDAKRA founded on November 7th, the band released their 15th studio album "DarkanakraD".  Expect new video by on November 29th. TRACKLIST 01. The Weight of Worlds  02. As Heroes Abide  03. Unravelling Destinies  04. Seven Sentinels  05. A Tainted Dominion  06. Ashes of Truth  07. The Heart of Darkness  08. The Last Guardian 09. Cruinnath’s Breath  10. In Shadows Deep  11. At the Gates Medley

The new VROUDENSPIL album "Schattenuhr" is out now. You can purchase it to their webstore . TRACKLIST 01. Ewiger Traum 02. Pestpockenpolka 03. Bis zum Hals 04. Eintausend Seelen 05. Schattentänzer 06. Ohne Halt 07. Übermorgenland 08. Folge dem Passat 09. Hinter dem Meer 10. Verdammte Ewigkeit

ALAN STIVELL released a 2 CD's Live symphonic + 1 DVD,  with Brittany’s National Orchestra.  The record is entitled "Roazhon - Liberté" (Freedom).  You can listen and get the digibook album passing by that page . TRACKLIST CD 1 01. Symphonie Celtique n°2 - Beaj 02. Symphonie Celtique n°20 03. Extraits Hiraezh & Beaj (suite) 04. Symphonie Celtique n°2 - Loc'h 05. Ys 06. Eibhlin 07. Rory dall (Tabhair dom do lámh) 08. A hed an nos 09. Son ar chistr - And cheers (symphonique) CD 2 01. Spered hollvedel (symphonique) 02. Delivrance (symphonique) 03. Cease fire (symphonique) 04. Brian boru (symphonique) 05. Pop-plinn (symphonique) 06. Symphonie Celtique n°2 - Gouel 1 (galv) 07. Symphonie Celtique n°2 - Gouel 2 (sonas) 08. Symphonie Celtique n°2 - Gouel 3 (dorn-ha-dorn) 09. Symphonie Celtique n°2 - Gouel 3 (an disoc’h) / Symphonie Celtique n°2 - An chathair ghleagheal 10. Kimiad (symphonique) 11. Tri martolod (symphonique) 12. Bro gozh (symphonique) DVD  - Document...

RIMMERSGARD comes back with a first full length and Folk album titled "Flickering in the Past". Flickering in the past de Rimmersgard

"Et si l’idée coulait de source" is the title for the new HAMON MARTIN QUINTET album. You can get the album  here .

17 years ago, on November 10th,  I launched Sword Chant ; it started as a forum before to turn in this website. I want to thank everyone for supporting Sword Chant! It means a lot. So, for the event and the community, I created a new forum named Forged in Folk , designed for listeners and artists playing Folk Metal and Celtic/Medieval Folk Music. Enjoy this community place and there, support music you like, translate lyrics, have fun! Happy Birthday , Sword Chant ! Keltia

I interviewed Vancole, the main artist of the GEOMYTH band from Ireland. The interview deals with the band story and their flourishing discography. 01 Hi Vancole ! First of all, when was founded the band and how did you all meet? There was no defined starting point for the band. The idea for this project probably would have come-about in the late 90’s and early 00’s. At that point it was only a daydream. I could never have envisioned getting a big Symphonic Metal production at that time with such a small budget.  Around 2009 I was the keyboardist on vocalist Colin Callanan’s Melodic Metal’s project KARUNA and I saw how Colin produced Karuna’s ‘Neitherworld’ EP, mainly from a home studio. Also, around that time, I was being introduced to some of the latest sampling technologies and started to wonder if I could create a grand, cinematic sound using these tools. I started accumulating a large stock of sample libraries and through their use, I began to realize that getting that huge S...

UTMARKEN released this new track for Halloween - available on all streaming platforms.

TROLLWAR released their new song "The Offering" taken from "Tales From the Frozen Wastes" EP out on November 15th.  The band shares their thoughts: “This is the most recent song composition-wise. We think that this one is the best representation of where the Trollwar sound has evolved. It contains some great Melodic Death Metal riffs, a good chorus, epic symphonies.. the whole package. This is also the 2nd song where we have a guest coming in to push the limit of the song with astonishing power metal vocals and choirs.” They go on to explain that the black-metal elements are also brought forward, with an epic evil bridge that will give chills to the symphonic black metal enjoyers. The transitions are smooth and flow easily.

The Scandinavian band EVILON released A Warrior's Way album available in CD here , and in digital : Evilon - A Warrior's Way de Fetzner Death Records

The Italian band THE MIDNIGHT unveiled their new song "Willow Trees" through the following video. You can order the song on Bandcamp .

FIREMAGE band from Portugal released their first EP named "Ignis".  IGNIS de Firemage

"Storm" is a track taken from the new CESAIR album titled " Haven ". The band added the following : This song is dedicated to anyone who is battling their own demons right now. Although the days are dark, know this: like the reed, you may bend, but you will not break. This is the video :

Halloween times also for goblins! Here's "Blood Ritual", the new  RAZKHAAL single.

The new track "Dama de Anboto" is taken from the upcoming AN DANZZA album "Encantadas". Subtitles in the video are available in Spanish, Basque, French, English, Russian, and Portuguese.

WARDRUNA unveiled their new single "Hibjørnen" that is a song taken from "Birna" album out on January 24th

The Finnish Black/Folk Metal band Metsän Alttari unveiled one first single taken from the upcoming self-titled debut album due to be released on November 28th 2024 by Inverse Records.  ABOUT THE DEBUT ALBUM This debut album consists of seven songs with themes ranging from heroic to gloomy and blissful. Most of the songs are made between 2023-2024 but some of the material is much older and has been refined afterwards. The songs have nuances of folk music spiced with the darkness of black metal and the grandeur of power metal. They also contain beautiful melodies, evil riffs, growls, epic choruses and poetic Finnish lyrics. The debut album can be preorder in its digital version through Bandcamp . TRACKLIST 01.Intro 02.Jäätyneen järven tuolla puolen 03.Synkkä syvyys 04.Metsäiselle alttarille 05.Rautaa, tulta ja jäätä 06:48 06.Vampyyri 07.Verikuun kirous

EALAIN released "Leyenda Inmortal" album you can listen here. Find guests from SALDUIE and SAUROM in this record. Enjoy !

For the 15 Years of the band, BALDRS DRAUMAR  made for free download 3 bonus tracks taken from the Njord recordings. How to get the digital bonus songs? 1. Enter  https://www.baldrsdraumar.com/product/njord-bonustracks/ 2. Select "Toevoegen aan winkelwagen" or "Add to cart" 3. Click on "Checkout" and Register your pêrsonal data 4. Download for free these songs and files from the webstore of the band : 5. Enjoy ! \m/

BELLFAST new album is out now. Here, you can play the new record entitled "The Warrior Celt" You can listen the new album right here . TRACKLIST 01. Reminiscence (Intro) 02. Song for Devil 03. Ibernia 04. Last Ember Fades 05. Thor's Roar 06. Morning Dies Away 07. I Am the Storm 08. The Story of My Life 09. I Demigod 10. The Warrior Celt

"Zaklęcie" is a track taken from the album "Rytułał" of the Polish band.  It will come out while spring 2025.

"Tales from the Unseelie Court" is the title chosen for the debut album of the US band MYTHBEGOTTEN inspired by Scottish and Irish trads, folklore, mythology, history ; and fantasy. The album is available here in CD and digital for preorder,  it will be released on october 31 TRACKLIST 01. The Heedless Horseman 02. Omen of Embers 03. Mallt-y-Nos 04. Beneath Exham Priory 05. The Fall 06. The Terror of Lothian 07. Twa Corbies 08. Of Wrath and Ruin

TROLLWAR released their new battle song named "Bane of the Underworld". The track is taken from  Tales From the Frozen Wastes EP coming out on november 15th. Bane of the Underworld de Trollwar

ENSIFERUM released their new album titled "Winter Storm".  Much of the new material emerged in the lockdown era, when ENSIFERUM's founding guitarist Markus Toivonen set himself the challenge of finding new ways to make music -- eventually composing every song except the rousing, anthemic “Fatherland,” written by bassist Sami Hinkka. The addition of singer/organist Pekka Montin's crystal-clear melodic high notes provided a tremendous boost on Thalassic. But on Winter Storm -- a fantasy concept narrative penned by Hinkka -- Montin's super-strong voice finds its optimal place in ENSIFERUM's sound. Bringing to life such grandiose, heroic material, the singer emerges as one of the greatest vocal discoveries of the decade. "The way I see it, this album is more like a 'musical' than a traditional album," says Hinkka. "The lyrics of Winter Storm are based on part of my unpublished fantasy book. One day it will be out… I don’t want to reveal the...

XAVIER BODERIOU, bagpiper hailing from France, now released his third album titled "Gwrizienn". Orders can be to that page .

One track, one official video.  BATTLE TALES made an official video for each track of their  Greed of a King  record freshly released. Enjoy the videos !