CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Saltatio Mortis
Album: Wer Wind Sæt (2009 Napalm Records)
Tracks: 12
Artist website:
http://www.saltatio-mortis.com/
http://www.napalmrecords.com
OVERVIEW
This is perhaps one of the most interesting albums I’ve heard. This is the 8th album for medieval inspired rockers Saltatio Mortis.
Medieval inspired rock? Yep, I will venture to guess that you have a question mark hanging over your head just like I did. (Unless you are already familiar with Saltatio Mortis.) Prior to this album, I had never heard of Saltatio Mortis. Thankfully, the good folks over at Napalm Records were kind enough to include a very insightful bio along with the CD. I’ll try to sum up what the band is in a few words. Essentially, they’re a group of musicians with a wide musical palette ranging from metal to folk. They met up as musicians playing at medieval fairs and eventually evolved to incorporate electric instruments in to the group. They even have bag pipes on a lot of the tracks. (I’m pretty sure there was a bag pipe on every track.)
This album is a good effort. Lots of strong melodies. I definitely enjoyed this album even if I could not understand a word of what the singer was singing about since I don’t speak German.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Vergessene Götter, Miststück, Tief In Mir, Wir Säen Den Wind
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Ebenbild
There were times when I felt that this track lacked a bit of “ooomph” factor. I really wish it would have been a bit more powerful. Good track though.
Track 2 – Salome
Good track. This one had a bit more “ooomph” to it.
Track 3 – La Jument De Michao
Very cool track. The medieval rock thing makes sense now.
Track 4 – Letzte Worte
Cool track.
Track 5 – Kaltes Herz
I really liked this one.
Track 6 – Rastlos
Very catchy!
Track 7 – Miststück
My favorite track so far. This has the oomph that I was looking for!
Track 8 – Tief In Mir
This album just keeps getting better and better! This one sounds huge!
Track 9 – Aus Träumen Gebaut
This is a mellow, balladesque track. Pretty melody.
Track 10 – Manus Manum Lavat
Don’t let the intro fool you, this is a power metal track.
Track 11 – Vergessene Götter
This is my favorite track on the whole album! It is perfect! It has power and is well constructed. This has definite hit potential! Very catchy. Kudos!
Track 12 – Wir Säen Den Wind
Nice! Awesome riffing. I was kind of reminded of Disturbed during the verses.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
A big thank you to Napalm Records for sending this music in to us!