Bran Barr - Sidh

Title: Sidh
Artist: Bran Barr
Genre: Celtic War Metal
Release Date: 29th January 2010
Label: Trollzorn



Album Review

Having formed themselves ten years ago, the French BRAN BARR have released their second album after ‘Les Chronigues de Naerg’ (2000). ‘Sidh’ is a concept album; the occurrences take place in the netherworld, in which creatures from the Celtic mythology live. In the centre is a war between two worlds, the final will be set to music in the upcoming, third album. The lyrics and messages are couched in French, English and even in Breton. ‘Origin - The birth of Fearg’ is an atmospheric introduction, that takes us on a journey into BRAN BARR’s world - traditional instruments such as flute and violin contribute to create a promising background.

The next song, ‘Celebration - Son of Nuadh Amhach’ is opened up with a melodious flute motive, which is heard throughout most of the song. Heavy and fast guitar riffs are combined with fast drums and different kinds of vocals: clearly sung, distorted or in a choir. The unlike elements are either presented on their own or in diversified combinations. ‘Fury - Exile of the Orphan’ starts rather black-metal-orientated, but soon fewer traditional components than on the predecessor are adjusted. In this song, guitar solos as well as a flute solo are included. Especially the last two minutes of this song are very intense and tempered. The following interlude, ‘The call - Gathering the tribes’ is once again dominated by the characteristic wind instruments, whose haters better should not listen to this record. ‘Passage - The curse of the Manimal’ begins in a slow pace, yet, the almost nine minutes do not tend to become boring, since many variations are suitably chosen.

Following, ‘Rebirth - Morgan’s gift to Righ Sidh’ gains up speed more slowly and conveys an epic atmosphere, whilst ‘Profediez’ is again flute-dominated and a pretty danceable song. After a while, the flute tends to get a bit too regnant, making it hard to follow the structures and contents. ‘Journey - The grand quest for the magical acorn’ remarks the longest song of the album, with twelve minutes. Yet this song possesses different moments and sentiments, surely making it appealing to listen carefully. The last song, ‘Ode aux lointains souverains’ is a cover from the French band ‘Stille Volk’ and illustrates an atmospheric and impressive ending for this record. Fans of folk metal as well as profound music should give this album a listen, but beware if you don’t like wind instruments.


Tracklist

01. Origin – The birth of Fearg
02. Celebration – Son of Nuadh Amhach
03. Fury – Exile of the Orphan
04. The call – Gathering the tribes
05. Passage – The curse of the Manimal
06. Rebirth – Morgan’s gift to Righ Sidh
07. Profediez
08. Revelation – In the dominion of Kernunnos
09. Journey – The grand quest for the magical acorn
10. Ode aux lointains souverains


Line-up

Aed Morban - Drums, Bodhran
Yoltar - Lead vocals, choirs
Nesh Keltorn - Guitar
Llyr - Guitar
Hades - Bass Guitar
Kraban - Flute, Whistles, Bombarde
Ahes - Violin


Website

www.myspace.com/branbarr / http://www.branbarr.fr/


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 8
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 8.5 / 10