Hailing from the Czech Republic and storming the lands since 1992 is Cales. Here we have their fifth album for review entitled KRF. Cales are currently aligned with label, Metal Breath Production. Apparently, this album has been soley created by the talented Blackosh. I have never heard this band before though let us now indulge in some Czech metal.
Barbarian Paganus - We begin with the sounds of festivities amidst perhaps a pagan style setting. Then in comes the metal and I suddenly think to myself, "Korpiklaani style, fuck yeah!" The music is catchy and filled with a groove that simply makes you want to get up, grab a beer and enjoy some fun times with your mates. The vocals are like a clean, spoken grunt. The music is truly easy to get into and even incorporates the sounds of a smithy clanging away in time to the music.
"War booty, armour forged by the hands of a craftsman, Harvest and noble presents, trading with loot, Fragrance and stench everywhere, Abundance of everything you may desire..."
Varjag - This next track contains the sounds of a field battle. The music is again catchy with its groove. The vocals are reminiscent of Bathory with their raw, somewhat spoken folk essence. The music itself has no intricate changes and basically remains consistent which makes it very easy to get into and stay in its zone.
"A feared barbarian warrior, Arrived from the could northern lands, A man- beast, slayer a hungry wolf stalking his prey, Owned the steel hardly beaten by anyone..."
Resolution - Straight into this next track but this time with the feel we are on horseback, galloping through the forest and over fields. When we arrive at our destination it is nothing but panic. The music provides an intense atmosphere and truly encapsulates that Bathory 'Hammerheart' sound. The overall sound production is excellent and it manages to retain that raw feel that some metal just seems to thrive off.
"Poisoned filthy blood, yellow spots and black death wounds, Your seed smells, scurvy worm, It has defiled our soil, Moral demise, a dwindling will, How infectious, Know that the hate of the unforgiving outlasts eternity..."
Pass In Time - This song has yet another catchy feel. I must admit, it is kind of hard to follow when you read the lyrics along with the vocals. It's interesting to think how he must have pieced these songs together. Alas, it is simply another great folk metal track!
"Voices of our ancestors become heard in the rustle of the wind, Gates between worlds stay open tonight, The time of death and rebirth of life, Now we can sweep into to gully and fall down through the mythical pass..."
Song Of Outlaws - These songs present such a strong, raw essence to them which help them to create a genuine feel. All the lyrics are poetic and intriguing. The musical structures may be simple but they are all effective in getting their story and message through. Whether you like it or not, you will be captivated by its groove and find yourself lost amidst it.
"Shining rays of the dawn pierce the grey veil of the horizon, Betrayal and coldness, Spirits have withdrawn to the underworld, No longer can you hear the voices of ancestors..."
Legacy Of Honour - This one starts off at a slower pace and harbours a greater depth to it than its predecessors. When you read the lyrics as the song flows, you can make out the accent which adds a new level to it all. Some words are skipped from the page, yet you must read the entire script to understand the true beauty of their work. Only then can you understand the importance of each vocal intensity and the musical atmosphere. This one definitely has a message for us all.
"The spirit of the master will dwell for all times, In the blade to be the heritage of our sons, You must exert all your strengths and courage, To make freedom more than a word for the dreamers..."
Savage Blood - Here we have the pleasant sounds of the outside with an unnerving feel to it. Musically, it consists of true folk style with I think what may be an accordion, an acoustic guitar and tambourine. Though I'm sure they are probably using some other cool, folky instruments. At about 01:44 the music gains its heavy stature. I must say the way they relay the lyrics in some parts is a huge mouthful and I am surprised they relay so much in such a short amount of time. Though, if you aren't following along with the lyrics you don't really notice as they blend it all so well. Basically, this is yet another groove filled folk metal track.
"Living from fight to fight, The aim is to know and to conquer, We crossed hundreds of rivers and braes, Forest was our abode in the times of during long campaign..."
Magnificent Masterpiece Of Apocalypse - This is the longest and last track on the album at 08:08 and it portrays a dark message which is musically matched by a doom-like folk metal feel. It is slower paced, yet heavy and intense, yet light like your spirit is being set free. I know that sounds confusing but that's what I get from it. I like this last line, "If you cannot start with yourself, destroy all that you can".
"All these gorgeous dreams seem to disappear in emptiness, Intentionally forgotten, Swallowed by the pace of time, Life has dealt so many forms of bravery and amenity..."
In essence, this album has enlightened me! I am always pleased to discover such dark beauty in lyrics along with history and dreams. The lyrics alone take you into a realm sadly passed through time. They remember and they teach you to learn from history. The music is crafted to entice you and to lose yourself within it. I can therefore only adore it! The items I received were a 2 page bio and CD. The CD I was given is purely a promotional CD and consists of a one page slip so it doesn't bare what I think might be their standard cover. So no lyrics nor band picture nor information, just track titles and CD press info. The artwork upon the CD itself seems antique in its design and is quite suited to their music. Thankfully, they have a detailed website which includes all their lyrics should you be interested in reading more. This album is well worth a listen and I recommend the purchase for any folk metal fans out there. You will not be disappointed!
LINKS
Cales Website
Cales Myspace
Cales Facebook
Cales YouTube
Metal Breath Production
Review by Déa di Morté © 05 May 2010
All lyrical extracts and pictures courtesy of Cales and Metal Breath Production
