Stille Volk – La Pèira Negra

Releasedate: 30-05-2014; Label : Holy Records
By: Basak Günel

Stille Volk, which means „silent people“ in Dutch and German, is a French folk/pagan band. The band, formed in 1994, has been around for 20 years and this makes them quite unique from the other bands in the scene. Although the band was formed by the musicians of the black/pagan/death metal scene back then and although they had the folk metal approach with the use of e-guitars in the album “Ex-uvies” (1998), the band’s new sound and the new album is far from harshness and brutality.

“La Pèira Negra” is all about the medieval approach in a universal way. While listening to the album, you will not only be enjoying a folk record with medieval and celtic sounds, but the songs will take you to basically everywhere in the world. This is clear from the songs “Dementis maudiçon” and La Pèira Negra”; the beginning of “Dementis Maudiçon” have the vibe of the oriental/eastern sounds and melodies but pay attention to the song more and you will be mesmerized by how Stille Volk manages to combine every element/sound from different regions with the use of different instruments.

Speaking of the medieval and celtic approach of the band, it would be wise to say that with this album, the band takes this approach to a whole new level. The calmness of the album’s style is not the only element but what impresses me is the fact that this album is soothing but dynamic at the same time, mainly because the songs have a generally cheerful and natural approach that makes you want to dance! It feels as if the various instruments are dancing in each song and the vocals then become the instruments as they are more in the background. It took me a few listens to truly experience the combination of different instruments – such as organs in “L’éveil du spectre” or trumpets in “La Litanie du Pétrifié” – and the emotions expressed in each song and I also recommend everyone to listen to this record a few times; you will be surprised at how diverse the general sound of the album is. It should also be mentioned that this album was recorded in the Pyrenees mountains so I am sure that listening to it out there in the nature will have a completely different effect on the listener!

” La Pèira Negra” is not an ordinary ‘medieval’ album; it is spiritual, natural, dynamic and soothing. Stille Volk knows what they are doing and they also know how to combine different styles in a unique and non-traditional way. Oh yeah, the album also has one little surprise which is the beautiful cover song at the end! 😀

Line-up:
Lafforgue – vocals, wind instruments
Roques – string instruments, choirs
Sarg – string guitar, bagpipe, choirs (live)
Arexis – percussions, gongs, pad sample

Tracklist: 01. Dementis Maudiçon 02. Sous l’oeil de la Lune 03. L’éveil du Spectre 04. La Pèira Negra 05. La Litanie du Pétrifié 06. La Forêt Gorgone 07. Heaume de Lichen 08. En Occulz 09. Come To The Sabbath (Mercyful Fate cover)

Links:
Stille Volk Official