Genre: Neofolk / Metal

In the vast realm of dark metal music there is on occasion a band that dares to transgress outside the established fiery guitar riffs and screaming guttural vocals to explore new styles of music. Many metal fans consider such transgressions as heretical while other fans welcome the corruption of the genre. Dornenreich has embarked on such a path of unification on their latest album titled “Hexenwind” which attempts to integrate the dark metal and neofolk genres.

At first glance one may not see the relationship between the acoustic based neofolk genre which focuses largely upon nature mysticism and the dark metal genre that delivers savage electric and bass guitar driven songs often filled with aggression and domination. Upon closer investigation a vital link is found between these two genres. Indeed many neofolk bands over the course of the last decade have been founded by established metal musicians looking to explore new musical styles that allow for more sensitive compositions. Of The Wand and the Moon is a classic example of such cross pollination as the band was begun by Kim Larsen after he departed the very successful metal band Saturnus.

Dornenreich has chosen to keep their metal roots intact while inviting an obvious neofolk influence into their music in order to enrich their music and capture the elusive sensitivity and introspection that neofolk music has so successfully founded. Dornenreich’s newest album titled “Hexenwind” preserves the vital energy of the metal genre while infusing the music of Dornenreich with the sensitivity of the neofolk genre in the form of acoustic guitars and nature mysticism inspired lyrics that explore the spiritual domain of the natural world through lyrical reflections. The resulting musical alchemy has produced a spirited musical medley defined by howling electric guitars, skillful bass, vigorous drums and lyrics that explore the secrets hidden in the misty woods.

“Hexenwind” launches with the introductory song “Von der Quelle” or “From the Fountain.” “From the Fountain” begins with the lonely howl of a high wind. The sound of the wind blowing ends as Eviga recites lyrics in a low whisper. The lyrics recall an experience of spiritual awakening in the stillness of the forest and tell of times spent roaming the deeply treed interior at night in search of self and soul. Eviga’s voice is joined by swelling electronic sounds and electronic keyboards that tentatively play gentle notes. A bass guitar strums a single note that reverberates adding to the emerging music as the song begins to form. The wind returns blowing gently as Eviga whispers lyrics while the music sways like a slowly dropping feather from on high in the forest. “From the Fountain” is a short but adequate introduction. The music never quite breaks out but rather remains timid and fragile ending with Eviga’s voice supported by the solitary sounds of the wind blowing once again.

The cautious start of “Hexenwind” is followed by an explosion of music that instantly brings the music alive as Dornenreich engages the listner with powerful electric guitar and drum driven anthems. Track three titled “Der Hexe nactlicht’ Ritt” or “The Witch’s Burning Gaze” sees Dornenreich ascend out of the embers and explode into a fiery blaze of music and creativity. “The Witch’s Burning Gaze” combines steady metal inspired drumming with snarling electric guitars, moody bass guitar, and occasional carefully placed acoustic guitar riffs. The real magic of Dornenreich comes through on “The Witch’s Burning Gaze” as the duo plow through this metal anthem that endures for nearly twelve minutes! Within this vast stretch of music Dornenreich carves out a very complex song filled with beautiful melodies and emotionally charged vocals that swims within a kaleidoscopic blend of surging guitars. Dornenreich’s talent flourishes in these extended songs as the band is more than able to fill the composition with varying chapters of sound that are all held together by the bands expert musicianship.

“Zu Traumen wecke sich, wer kann” or “Awake to Dreams if You Might” is the fifth and final song on Hexenwind. This finale is the longest song on the album as it last more than thirteen minutes proving the ability of Dornenreich to successfully compose and perform epic songs. “Awake to Dreams if You Might” begins with the sound of the wind howling once again and a steady linear drum beat. The drums and wind are joined by the gentle whispers of Eviga and glistening guitar chords that play a looped melody. The sense of mysticism and mystery is deep and authentic as the band retreats from the savage grace of previous songs and returns to the fragile folk infused sound that opened the album. Two and a half minutes into the song the music begins to quicken as the acoustic guitar’s melody is swapped out for quicker paced playing. or “Awake to Dreams if You Might” like its predecessors travels through various movements at times driven by acoustic guitar and others soaring towards the sun on the wings of the electric guitar all the while retaining a deep imbedded aesthetic of mysticism. Dornenreich takes a real chance ending the album on a rather subdued note compared to the more energetic electric guitar driven tracks that comprise the body of the album. “Awake to Dreams if You Might” is the perfect balance of folk and metal while retaining an emphasis on folk. The song has some really romantic melodies that completely consume the listner. At the end of the thirteen and some minutes Dornenreich gently returns the listner to reality.

Dornenreich has created a moving album filled with darkly romantic songs rooted in fantasy and nature mysticism. “Hexenwind” is a lofty contribution and is sure to be treasured by open minded metal fans as well as neofolk music fans willing to welcome a bit of metal into their listening. Dornenreich are certainly pioneers as far as musical integration is concerned and I am left feeling grateful that I have been introduced to these talented musicians. I recommend “Hexenwind” to metal fans that like the mystic side of metal and to neofolk fans that like a bit of controlled power and aggression in their music. You do not have to be a committed metal or neofolk music lover to enjoy this release. Dornenreich has mounted a summit that has long awaited musicians willing to accept the challenge and I applaud the bands creativity and excellent musicianship.