Blood and Sun – White Storms Fail (2014)

Finally seeing the light of day on a physical release, today we have Blood and Sun’s “White Storms Fail”. Out in May via Pesanta Urfolk, this is an excellent Neofolk release that spawned as the collaboration between Tanner Anderson (Obsequaie/Celestiial), Luke Tromiczak (Maledicere), and Erik Wivinus (Thunderbolt Pagoda). Quickly gathering attention as one of the best Neofolk acts from North America, you can’t afford to miss this collector’s edition release of the album.

With the intro nicely bleeding into “Merciless Master”, the band instantly establishes a very somber and engaging mood. Luke’s vocals nicely draw the listener into the very interesting lyrics presented. The music at its core is very traditional but the incorporation of elements like the hammered dulcimer, violin, and cello, make for a more immersive and unique experience.

With interludes between most tracks, the album’s flow is excellent and allows the listener to get lost within the band’s musical world. Lush tracks like “Lord of the Spring” are a delight to listen to thanks to its intricate arrangements and the great central focus that the dulcimer has. Some of our favorites include: “Cedar Smoke”, “Keen” and the excellent closer “Slaughter the Instant”. Which all feature magical elements that are best left to be discovered by the listener.

Having seen the band live at Stella Natura, they are definitely a force to be reckoned with. Their music is both enthralling and hypnotic and should be hear by any fan of the genre. With every instrument perfectly recorded and mixed together, we get a very rich experience in “White Storms Fail”. Looking forward to the actual vinyl version from Pesanta, this should be one of the albums that you can’t afford not to buy in 2014.

Label: Pesanta Urfolk

Release: May 15th, 2014

Genre: Neofolk

Country: USA