| Otyg �Alvefard� Napalm , 1998 Lord Pale : Otyg is a Swedish folk metal band featuring Vintersorg on vocals who weaves his �entertaining� clean vocals throughout the album accompanied at times by the voice of Kia Hedmark with her own great vocals . Unlike Norway�s Storm , Otyg focus more on the folk side of folk metal with flutes , violins , and mouth harps being a big part of their sound . The guitar work is more melodic than that of Storm too with soft metal melodies and folkish dirge riffs akin to the lighter side of Mithotyn . Alvefard contains plenty of variation over the course of its 12 tracks from the smirk inducing �Fjallstorm� , to the deep chant like chorus of �Myrdingar � Martyrium� , through to the Celtic style intro of �Fjalldrottningens Slott� , but I find that album tracks blend together over its 42 minute course ( perhaps because of the folk instrumentation ) unless you really pay attention to the music ( in which case you�ll notice more and get more out of it anyway ) . Overall a unique and interesting sounding release . Favourite Tracks � Fjallstorm , Fjalldrottningens Slott , Myrdingar � Martyrium Mark � 7.5/10 Otyg �Sagovindars Boning� Napalm , Otyg�s second album Sagovindars Boning sees little change from the stylings of the band debut Alvefard except perhaps for a more powerful production and a slightly higher metal content . Vintersorg�s vocals dominate the mic this time around but there are still plenty of occasions that the female vocals interact with them . The violins , flutes , and mouth harps are still abundant , giving the album a nice bouncy feel at times , and the stronger production lends the guitars work a heavier edge . Highlights include �Holy Diver� a cover of the Dio classic ( with a violin nailing the guitar solo !!! ) , �Backahasten� ( perhaps Otyg�s heaviest track to date ) , �Trollslottet� ( a fairly standard Otyg track but a good one ) , and the yodelling outtake of �Gygralock� which always brings a smile to my face ( and pierces my ears ) . Overall a very similar sounding release with a lot in common to its predecessor although with subtle welcome changes that should appease fans of the original . Favourite Tracks � Backahasten , Varulvanatt , Holy Diver Mark � 7.5/10. |
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