Band:	Bran Barr
Album:	Sidh
Style:	Celtic folk metal
Release date:	January 29, 2010
A review by:	Darkside Momo

01. Origin - The Birth Of Fearg
02. Celebration - Son Of Nuadh Amhach
03. Fury - Exile Of The Orphan
04. Passage - The Curse Of The Manimal
05. The Call - Gathering The Tribes
06. Rebirth - Morgan's Gift To Righ'Sidh
07. Profedïez [feat. TBK]
08. Revelation - In The Dominion Of Kernunnos
09. Journey - The Grand Quest For The Magical Acorn
10. Ode Aux Lointains Souverains [Stille Volk cover]

Folk metal stuff, anyone? Yes, we know we're in for a ride in old, pagan lands as soon as the intro starts with its tribal drumming and flutes.
But read on, read on, even if you're not a fan of this kind of metal, as Bran Barr might actually surprise you!

Just a word about the band: Bran Barr actually exists since 1995, and Sidh is their second album. They come from Brittany, the French region which still clings fiercely to its Celtic heritage. Of course, it shows in their music. So let's delve deeper into this matter.

OK, no one can discount the folk part, be it because of the traditional instrument being really prominent in the mix, or because of half of the songwriting, which - guess what - is really folky. Celtic folk, of course. But no one can either ignore the fact that it's metal music (of a black sort - with solos) we're talking about. A proof? Just listen to "Fury - Exile Of The Orphan" and its furious riffing and drumming.
And what amazed me with this album is that these two elements intertwine fucking well? The songwriting is pretty flawless in this regard, it all flows naturally, and doesn't sound contrived at all? Contrary to many band in this quite crowded, and often boring, metal subgenre!
Just that, and we already have a good album. But that's not all. Man, this is EPIC. Even more, this album is really an epic, as it tells the story of a hero named Fearg. With the various moods and arrangements, you're sure to be drawn in this colourful tale of ages past.
Now add to this that the production pretty much perfect, with all instruments (yes, all) having their fair share of the mix, a sound clear as a wood spring, but clearly not a cold, lifeless one? Yes, this is without doubt one of the best folk metal album I've heard in ages.

Oh, I've tried, but I didn't find any real flaw in this album. Well, the folk interludes with all those pipes and stuff will be too much for some. And the Stille Volk cover, while good, does sound out of place after such a journey? Apart from this, zero, nada, nothing to add if you ask me.

Sure, if you really have a severe case of allergy to anything remotely similar to a wooden flute, this album is not for you. For all the others, come and be swept by what will stand out as one of the best folk metal albums of 2010!