Gwydion – Thirtheen

[schema type=”review” name=”Gwydion – Thirtheen” description=”Label: Trollzorn” author=”Miguel Melo” pubdate=”2018-07-06″ ]

Gwydion are a viking metal band from Portugal. They released the album “”Thirteen” the 6th of July. This is the 4th full length album of their career. They hail from Portugal and they formed in 1995. True. Viking Metal from Portugal is not something that you come by frequently but these guys are doing it for a long time, claiming the veteran status. Vikings had a stand in Iberian Peninsula, especially in the north, raiding shores and pillaging monasteries. So yeah, historically, it’s a accurate and allowed.

Interesting that the name “Gwydion” recalls more welsh folklore than viking one. Again, Portugal had its fair share of Celtic influence in the north, where it’s possible to find bagpipes and man wearing skirts. And now that the history lesson is over, let’s talk about the music.

They start with instrumental, choir typical flow to set the environment. We are going into an adventure in the seas. Personally, I don’t really go with the keyboards. Not saying they are bad, but just doesn’t suit perfectly to my taste, I prefer to leave it for symphonic bands, but I can allow their usage in moderation. Lately I’ve been totally addicted to Skálmöld album with the Symphonic Orchestra of Iceland, so I might be slightly spoiled in terms of quality viking metal. And while kind of comparing Gwydion to all the viking/folk metal bands I know, boom! I’m almost singing along “Strength remains”, because it’s catchy and cool.  It’s a cool song and rich in sounds and rhythm variations. “Kings last breath” might lead the listener to a Manowar like imaginary in the first chords, but sounds solid. Under siege is an instrumental song and it comes slightly short providing the siege sensation. “The Shield maiden’s cry” recovers the go along and swinging tempo. The song “thirteen days” starts awesome and the synthesiser ruins it. I knew the keyboard shouldn’t be there but aahrrrgg. Ok… I will let that skip. “Oh land of ours – Al Andalus” is an interesting one as well, giving the clear reference to the muslim influence of the Iberian peninsula. I see a combination of Vikings, Celts and Moor mistic together. “Allah Tagides” is the last song and refers to the nymphs of the Tagus river.

I have to say that the rhythm is fairly solid, with drums and bass supporting properly the growling vocals and the choir of the team. The keyboards get on my nerves but I admit it can be personal thing since I don’t consider that the music is bad at all. The atmosphere and thematic references are great. The band is good and I would like to see them presenting this album live.

Line up:
João Paulo – Guitars
Pedro Dias – Vocals
Miguel Kaveirinha – Guitars
Bruno Ezz – Bass
Pedro Correia – Drums
Daniel César – Keyboards

01. Heathen 02. 793 03. Balverk Warfare 04. Strength Remains 05. King’s Last Breath 06. Revenge 07. Under Siege 08. Shield Maiden’s Cry 09. Thirteen Days 10. Oh Land of Ours – Al Andaluz 11. Voyage 12. Allah’s Tagides

Links:
Gwydion on Facebook