Crimfall is a new band from Finland that release this year their debut album “As The Path Unfolds”. Their genre is a mix of many sounds, but if it has to be categorized, for recognition purposes mostly, we could say it belongs to the genre of Symphonic/Viking metal.

The first impression I got by listening to this album was excellent, since it sounded like a well-played soundtrack of a commercially successful epic movie. Very interesting and well-played orchestral parts, a very good production that definitely is not a part of many new releases, and a very epic atmosphere. The sound is also enriched with many folk elements that add interest to the ensemble and travel you to other times and places. Now as we continue…I am really tired of listening to that twin vocal approach between black male and melodic operatic female vocals. I don’t know if I am prejudiced about it, but I have heard so many bands in that style, that I don’t really feel like parting the remarkable from the non remarkable ones, since it seems to me like it is just the outburst of a trend of this season, where bands of this genre are popping out like mushrooms, soon to disappear in 1-2 years.

This particular band has a lot to offer to the fans of the genre, since it includes many elements that don’t let you get bored. The compositions within the songs are continuous, the melodies are changeable and well-played and the sound is professional and doesn’t give the impression of a new band. Τhe vocals of their female singer, Helena Haaparanta are very good, while the black male vocals of Mikko Hakkinen are not bad, they just give that impression of the combination that lucks originality and has been heard so many times before, at least as far as I am concerned. All the songs include traditional instruments, like fiddle, cello, etc., which add an extraordinary atmosphere. The average of the songs is about 4-5 minutes, a positive fact that does not tire the audience, and they vary between mid tempo as well as faster and “harder” songs.

If you are a fan of Symphonic/Viking/folk/atmospheric black metal you should not miss this album. If you are one of those who got tired of this genre and its trend, I don’t think that Crimfall is the band that will make the difference to you.