Folk and metal make strange, often uncomfortable, bedfellows. It's not that they don't have anything in common (primarily talking points like an interest in the supernatural). But much like the hottie you picked up in the bar the night before your differences will probably be that make more clearly defined in the harsh morning after daylight.
After giving Pandemonaeon's "Dark Beauty" CD a goodly number of spins I have to admit that I like it. It does come across as more Pagan Hard Rock than Folk Metal, though.
There are plenty folk instruments found on these songs, it's just that when the guitar kicks in the latter completely blows the former out of the water (like a celtic band trying to stand up to a Mack truck). The folk element comes across as nothing more than an accent, similar to the way that most metal bands use keyboards. It's a shame really because it's clear that there's some talented players working those acoustic instruments.
Occasionally the folk does make it up front (as on "Hunter" and "Well of Lost Voices") but then the rock seems to take the back seat. It's as if the folk and the big rock elements can't live side by side, one has to dominate. That's too bad. A more integrated sound would push this band from Good to Damn Good.
Yet I enjoy this album overall, especially the ragin' "The Goat is on the Pole" instrumental. The only drawback (aside the rock vs folk lack of cohesion) is the neo-cookie monster male background vocals that crop up on "Eater of Sorrow", "Heart Girt with a Serpent" and "The Tower". It's this vocal style that pushed me out of the metal scene in the 90s and still makes me grit my teeth and roll my eyes. But it's clear that metal fans love and expect it, so what are you gonna do?
Pandemonaeon clearly dig celtic folk but their love big guitar wins out on their "Dangerous Beauty" CD.
