Metalcatto
Sometimes, as a reviewer, you find yourself in strange places, where you don’t know if your instincts are right and you’ve found gold, or if the band actually has no hype because your taste sucks. This is how I felt when I heard Skovblod’s In the Valleys of Winter. The band has next to no social media presence yet, but once I listened to the first seconds of this album, I knew I couldn’t let it slide. It hasn’t been the strongest year for Folk Metal, so I’m open to anything that could redeem so many mid experiences. So, should you care about this little Danish project? Let’s see.
I know they sold me this project as Folk Metal for the people, but I truly feel this is almost the Kingship of this year. An album that certainly has influences from northern traditions, but with clean production, creative songwriting, and tons of fascinating transitions, ends up feeling like Prog Death to me. And it slays. Skovblod answers the question: what would happen if Borknagar went Prog and wanted to include Tesseract in the mix? Yes, it shouldn’t work, but you end up with something rather unique, with harsh and ethereal moments in equal measure.
It’s evident the soft vocals are going to divide people, but I beg you to give them a chance. It’s not something you run into in this niche. Also, the guitar work feels so Djent for being a Folk album. It’s just two worlds colliding that normally would cancel each other out harder than someone asking for a banana pizza in Italy. So yes, I can’t believe how these guys haven’t got a ton of hype already. It makes me feel like you and me are discovering uncharted territory right here, or maybe this is just the arrogance that comes with reviewing albums every day. Because there are some things I like less.
Valleys has excellent aspects, but I fear it’ll polarize people with those innocent vocals that come in and out, as if we were in a more commercial release. Then there’s the fact that the album does feel long. No track here is a wimpy interlude. They all have a lot going on. It’s worth your time, but it does require you to come prepared for a trip that will leave you slightly drained. Does it drag? A little bit, but with way more dignity than you dragged yourself back from your last festival.
If you want your autumn melancholy to feel Scandinavian but also technical, then Valleys is the album for you. Honestly, why the fudge is this band not signed by anyone yet? It’s absolutely criminal. In fact, are you a promoter reading this? Fix it now. Recruit this band before the competition does. I did my part though; a commission would be nice, just saying. Anyway, keep your eye on Skovblod. This band actually makes me like Folk music.
Label: Independent
Release date: December 1, 2025
Website: https://skovblod.bandcamp.com/
Country: Denmark
Score: 3.8/5.0 (maybe I’ll change it later)
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