I have been a fan of Swiss folk metal band Eluveitie since the beginning, when they were a relatively unknown band on Fear Dark Records in the early 2000’s. They didn’t stay unknown for long, getting signed to Nuclear Blast and releasing 7 albums in a span of 11 years, ending with 2019’s amazing “Ategnatos.” It has taken 6 years (which has also seen the success of clean vocalist Fabi Erni and guitarist Jonas Wolf in their band Illumishade) for them to release their latest, “Ànv,” and though I hate waiting, the wait was worth it.

“Ànv” is a concept album based on an ancient Celtic text that is over 4500 years ago (lead growler and founder Chrigel Glanzmann referred to it as “The Lament” in an interview), exploring the duality and development of human nature through the lens of Celtic mythology. Chrigel has said this was a deeply personal and emotional album for the band, and you can feel the ebbs and flows as you listen. This album executes the formula that Eluveitie does so well, blending traditional Celtic folk with melodic death metal, great melodies and vocals from both Chrigel and Fabi, and songs that just feel big. The album is heavy, melodic, thought-provoking, and does a terrific job building atmosphere that binds each track together. Chrigel’s brutal snarl complements the angelic beauty of Fabi Erni, allowing the music to match the mood it is feeling in the moment. The guitars are simultaneously thick and melodic, with some fabulous solos sprinkled throughout. The bass and drums pound and drive each song while adding a softer touch when needed. The hurdy gurdy, violin, and other non-traditional instruments build what feels like a symphonic background at times, while at others taking the lead and stealing the spotlight. If you know Eluveitie, then much will feel familiar, but there are surprises along the way that show the band continuing to hone and evolve their sound.

“Ànv” starts with “Emerge,” a short instrumental intro that builds the Celtic folk metal atmosphere quickly, transitioning into hard-hitting first full track “Taranoías.” It races out of the gate in speedy death metal style complemented with their trademark Celtic approach. The chorus slows things temporarily with Fabi’s first appearance over Chrigel’s growls and is super catchy. The second verse races forward again before an amazing bridge and reprise of the chorus, leading to a frenetic finish.

Third track “The Prodigal Ones” is my favorite song with its super catchy guitar melody throughout (love the lead-centric variation late), the brutally melodic verses, the back and forth between Fabi and Chrigel on yet another memorable chorus, and the overarching Celtic symphonic feel.

The title track is a mesmerizing ominous piece featuring the wonderful voice of Fabi, full of depth and emotion, backed by a choir of chants, slowing the pace before ripping your head off again with “Premonition.”  This is another song that features Eluveitie excelling at their craft: speedy death metal, rich Celtic atmosphere, another catchy chorus (only growled this time), with Fabi utilized as a haunting refrain to the chorus. I love the tradeoff between the non-traditional instruments and the guitar driving the lead late in the song, reminding me a bit of “Black Water Dawn” from “Ategnatos.” 

“Awen” is one of the catchiest and folkiest songs on the album, placing Fabi front and center to a fabulous backdrop of strings, hurdy gurdy and more, letting the guitars (and Chrigel) take a secondary role for most of the song while still driving powerfully. Short track “Anamcara” features beautiful finger picking and a short monologue based on the ancient text, giving you a breather ahead of what may be the heaviest track, “The Harvest,” a mostly straightforward death metal track that doesn’t forget its folk roots.

The final 4 tracks feature a ton of variety while still flowing so well together.

“Memories of Innocence” is a cheerful fast-paced folk diddy that will get your feet tapping and head bopping. It breaks things up nicely and is a gorgeous piece. “All Is One” is a Fabi vehicle, a stunningly beautiful song with a slower folksy start that builds to a triumphant chorus, resulting in a big bombastic feel that will make you want to shout along with Fabi. “Aeon of the Crescent Moon” is another folk metal romp, heavy and atmospheric, hearkening back to earlier Eluveitie material. Closer “The Prophecy” has a massive feel, with lyrics in Gaulish, a slow build of layers including a variety of instruments, chanting, and throat singing (featuring Adrienne Cowan of Seven Spires), before ripping your head off and maintaining a heavier feel with the layers introduced earlier. It is majestic and closes out the album in epic fashion.

If you couldn’t tell, I really enjoyed this album. If I had one nit at all, it would be that the album almost flies by too quickly. Each song flows well as a part of the bigger story, but I am not ready for the journey to be over when the album ends. I guess that isn’t really a complaint, just my insatiable desire for more epic folk metal! I already cannot wait for the next one, but for now I will enjoy the amazing album that Ànv is, and you should too!

Eluveitie has no plans to tour the US this year, so I am also quite excited to catch them on their European tour supporting Arch Enemy in October!

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