Ah, the Cimbrian community in the Italian Veneto seems to be very active in metal. The RMR crew covered Kanseil’s piece Doin Erde earlier in 2015. Folk Metal with a quirk and a solid historical background.
Now, the Italian Folk Metal band VallorcH released their sophomore full-length album Until Our Tale Is Told back towards the end of that same year. And similar to the aforementioned medievally-tainted dudes, this act takes a pretty folksy, yet truly metallic approach to local themes. Mainly based on the cultural remnants of the highlands North of Venice.
VallorcH came into existence in 2010 and released their first EP in 2012. Neverfade, their first full-length album followed shortly thereafter. Until Our Tale is Told forges on in that same vein of straight-in-yer-face Folk Metal carried by Sara Tacchetto‘s abundant high-pitched musings. Albeit that her contribution often is so off-kilter, it hurt us almost physically. Luckily, Leonardo Dalla Via‘s growls do save the day somewhat by providing a proficiently heavy counterweight to an otherwise unbearably bad vocal contribution similar to other catastrophes with the misfortune to appear on this webzine.
And yet, Until Our Tale is Told convinced this crew with a sturdy brand of Folk Metal akin to outfits like the now-defunct Huldre and Infinitas. Seriously rough-hewn riffs and pretty stellar solos trade places with archaic instruments, creating an alluring amalgamation at the crossroads of Death and Thrash Metal and folk-based musical geekery. That VallorcH managed to trade places effortlessly between styles does speak to their considerable talent and astute musical prowess.
But – the RMR crew detected abundant firing of them compressors a few times too many. And this – coupled with a scratchy mix and an ice-cold master didn’t contribute to what could have been a pretty stellar offering. Also, methinks that the considerable size of the band didn’t play in their favor, either. That said, all ingredients present could kick this band up a few notches to bigger and – indeed – greater things. If only they could iron out the aforementioned shortcomings. And that will be this band’s major future challenge.
The RMR crew is already in its waiting loop. Let’s hope they’ll see the light and apply some major changes to avoid sinking into oblivion.
Just sayin’.
Ed’s note: This version replaces the review from March 2016.
Label: Nemeton Records | Web: Official Band Site
Release date: 25 September 2015