By: Jeff
Rating: 9.5/10
Release: 11 January 2019
Label: Independent / Bandcamp

If anyone asks what album I have listened to the most in the last 2+ years there is no hesitation in my answer every time…..”Songs From The Fyrgen” from Wolcensmen. Given the chance I would probably have voted this in my top 10 list for 2017 and 2018 even if it came out in November of 2016. You would probably say “this isn’t even a folk metal release”….and you would be right. I think we need to remember again there is no folk metal without folk music……and Wolcensmen have hypnotized me from day one with their take on songs within the blossoming heathen folk scene. I even enjoyed the very first demo from 2013 as rough around the edges as it was. So after too long a wait the follow up of sorts is here in an EP entitled “Songs From The Mere” which has been released in tandem with a re-issue of the first album on Indie Recordings. The EP features 5 tracks totaling about 19 minutes and is probably my EP of the year at this point and yes, I know it’s only January. Let’s get potential negatives out of the way…..2 instrumentals out of 5 total tracks might irk a listener or two but if that’s the biggest negative I can come up with then sign me up. Wolcensmen main musician Dan Capp (known for his work in Winterfylleth) has once again embarked on a journey thru the countrysides of England and plucked stories and music from her ancient times. The lyrics are presumably in Old English although most are pretty discernible while listening or reading along with them without translation. The tracks are not ones that didn’t make it to the debut but rather ones that won’t be included on the next full length and run as far back as 2007 (even before the project started) with “The Greene Wall”. Even with this track being 12 years old, the foundations are there to what they would become. Dan’s acoustic guitar work is technical without being egotistical and acts as another voice woven thru the tracks. I still think his vocals are the main highlight for me with a purity and more confidence. There are numerous guests performing backing vocal duties amongst other parts with the main contributor being Cellist Jo Quail whose work runs throughout. Dan and Jo co-wrote one track here instrumental “Beholdinge, He…” which acts as a perfect prelude to the cover of “Man Of Iron” from Bathory. I just reviewed the Oakenshield EP which includes this song on it as well and the two could not be more different. The Wolcensmen version is true to the original in terms of being acoustic and the arrangement being pretty accurate and fitting in the context of this entire release. Sound quality is simple and understated and probably a little starker than “Fyrgen…” but still has enough reverb and texture especially with backing vocals to give it that misty feeling. The wait is finally over and maybe now this EP will supplant the album as my most listened to release for the next couple of years……time will tell.

Tracklist

1. The Ferryman 03:23
2. Lady of the Depe 06:18
3. The Greene Wall 05:15
4. Beholdinge, He… 02:07
5. Man of Iron (Bathory cover) (free) 02:39