Vicky
Folk Metal is a genre that most people consider to be limited strictly to Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Arkona, Feuerschwanz, and a few other titans. But that’s not really the case. There are also numerous underground groups that certainly deserve your attention. One of them is the Italian Folk Metal act Aexylium. And it’s not trying to mimic any of the praised bands I have mentioned earlier, but it walks on its own path. So far, this means combining traditional Folk Metal instruments with enchanting symphonies and feeling – one that you have probably encountered before in Power Metal. At times, they even incorporate Technical Death Metal elements into their work (especially on the track “In Sorrow”). You may also find things specific to Brutal Death Metal on the title track.
The band got a new frontman, Sam Biganzoli, some time after the release of their second album, The Fifth Season. This, however, does not stop them from releasing a great LP in 2025. Now, one thing that I have to say surprised me at least a little bit was that Aexylium’s lyrics talk about various things: “The Queen” is probably about The Erinyes. “Hexe” is about witchcraft. “Into Oblivion” contains details about Norse mythology (Odin, the Muninn and Huginn ravens, Asgard, Muspelheim, etc.). “Myth of Mankind” is pretty much about… Well, the myth of mankind. “Eclissi” means “Eclipse” in Italian, and it’s the only track with lyrics in Italian. “Wild Hunt” speaks about the folklore motif with the same name.
Feel free to read more about it here. “Surrender” is a true battle song (as can be noticed in the following lyrics: “We’re unbreakable // We won’t surrender, in the face of despair”). “Northern Lights” speaks of a stargazer. Meanwhile, “Eternity,” the epilogue, speaks about the meaning of life. Note that a lot of the lyrical themes have been deciphered according to my knowledge about mythology. I strongly advise you to check the lyrics for yourself after the album is released.
My favorite part about this album is that it doesn’t grow on you—it “talks” directly to you, and you can decide how you feel about it from the beginning, without having to listen to it over and over again waiting for your feelings to change. You either adore it, or you just haven’t found your song of choice yet. In my case, that would be “Into Oblivion,” because, as some of you may know, I am quite the fan of Norse mythology. Also, it’s a Power Metal-esque track that features both the very talented Sam Biganzoli and the versatile soprano Arianna Bellinaso. “The result is […] as cinematic as it is heavy, offering a fresh and modern take on Folk Metal while staying true to its melodic roots,” as the band described Myth of Mankind.
Whether you are planning on starting to listen to Folk Metal, or you are just looking for a new album to add to your collection, Myth of Mankind is worth the effort. Even if that effort is opening Spotify or YouTube, you still might want to try the new Aexylium album. Otherwise, you will regret it forever.
Label: Rockshots Records
Release date: May 23, 2025
Website: (and, yes, they do have an official website): https://www.aexylium.it/
Country: Italy
Score: 4.4/5.0
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