Hand of Kalliach – ‘Samhainn’: Enchanting and atmospheric Celtic Metal!
The long-awaited worldwide debut has arrived with the full-length album “Samhainn” from “Hand of Kalliach”. Simply, Celtic Metal! The debut album of Hand of Kalliach is now here!
By Δημήτρης 'Nodtveidt' Παλάσκας
The record titled ‘Samhainn‘, is the latest work from one of the most authentic and innovative bands on the Atmospheric metal scene.
Inspiration from the rhythms and patterns of traditional music
The Hand of Kalliach made up of the duo Sophie and John, combine their passion for Metal music with traditional Scottish and “folk” elements. The combination of these elements is done in a truly enchanting way and the result is something that demands a listen, since plain words don't do it justice. So instead of using traditional instruments, they draw inspiration from the rhythms and patterns used in traditional music. Then, they adapt them to electric guitars and the metal sound.
The name Hand of Kalliach, comes from the myth of «Cailleach», a Scottish God of winter who, according to the mythological tale, sleeps at the bottom of a huge whirlpool at Corryvreckan, in the western islands of Scotland. That's where John and his family come from.
About the music
Musically, Hand of Kalliach focus on the double meaning of kindness and malice. All of this set against the backdrop of history, mythology, the land and the intense seascapes of Scotland's enchanting islands (as in the beautiful single "Cinders" and the excellent "Solas Neonach”).
The duo delivers a very dynamic sound, with the contrast between Sophie's ethereal vocals and John's harsh "gutturals" acting as the heavy backdrop, background instruments. Intense distorted guitar and bass tones ground the music, while elemental melodies and motifs "pierce through" the listener. From the "haunting" opening of "Beneath Starlit Waters", to the darkly serene soundscape of "The Lull of Loch Uigeadail", and before it wraps up with the dramatic intensity of "Return to Stone", the Samhainn is a musical journey you shouldn't miss.
The tracklist goes as follows:
01. Beneath Starlit Waters 05:56
02. Solas Neònach 04:53
03. Each Uisge 05:01
04. Roil 03:28
05. Cinders 03:02 06. The Lull Of Loch Uigeadail 03:49
07. Ascendant 03:13
08. Òran Na Tein'-éigin 04:10
09. Trial Of The Beithir-Nimh 03:49
10. Return to Stone 05:21
Among the highlights of the album for me are "Solas Neonach", "Cinders" and "Return to Stone”.
"Samhainn" is expected to come out on October 22, 2021.
