Rating: 7.5/10
Release: 5 February 2021
Label: Helheim Records

If this grossly long overdue review is any indication of how little of our genre I’ve listened to recently, I don’t know what would be. To be frank, I only first heard of these Incursed Spaniards when taking the assignment months ago. Surprisingly not prior, but I digress back to the lack of folk metal in my life nowadays. So what of this quintet and their musical prowess?

There is definitely a well developed sound on this fifth full length and other previous releases, displaying a solid grasp of all things “folk” and heavy music; chants, gallop rhythms, fry, false chord and clean vox, engaging riffing, flutes, fiddles and xylophones, harmonic instrumentality, acoustic passages and heroic leads all with an appropriate key backdrop, straightforward composition and conceptualization from start to finish of every track. My instinct generally appreciates the overall presentation but it’s missing any severe impact; a requirement for new music nowadays. Perhaps, that’s due to this record’s overzealous relatability? Baskavigin successfully draws inspiration from most obviously Ensiferum, Finntroll, some Equilibrium and Svartby at Incursed’s actual disadvantage. Lack of nuance and inadequate memorability are the evident dealbreakers for this new listener. And is that why, in fact, the record fades into the background and fails to make a deeper spiritual connection despite possessing all the correct ingredients. Sadly, even the familiar drunken pub shanty can’t sway me.

Seek not originality unless you’re already a dedicated fan and it is familiarity that drives your commitment. Personally, it’s a case where good intentions lead to less favorable outcomes, and strengths turn into weaknesses.

Overall, it may lack individuality but Baskavigin is not anything if not good ol’ fun wrapped in recognizable comfort and this is not a disgruntled review.

Tracklist

1. 1615 [intro]
2. Baskavígin
3. Who Stole My Beer?
4. The Black Hunter
5. Colossal
6. Eusko Troll Label
7. Into the Curse
8. Patxi Porroi
9. Paganauts
10. Souls on Fire
11. Saltus eta Ager
12. Pt. I: Saltvs Vasconvm
13. Pt. II: Ager Vasconvm