Band:	Elvenking
Album:	Wyrd
Style:	Folk metal, Power metal
Release date:	April 19, 2004
Guest review by:	Ernis

01. The Losers' Ball
02. Pathfinders
03. Jigsaw Puzzle
04. The Silk Dilemma
05. Disappearing Sands [Limited Edition bonus]
06. Moonchariot
07. The Perpetual Knot
08. Another Haven
09. A Fiery Stride [Limited Edition bonus]
10. Midnight Circus
11. A Poem For The Firmament

"Wyrd" is the second full-length album by Elvenking; a pearl in the musical sky of Italy. Though some fans may miss the vocals of Damnagoras, nothing bad can be said about this album which is, for sure, made with love and passion. Kleid did a fine job during the recording of this album and proved that he was a talented singer indeed.

"Wyrd" is warm and homelike, especially for people who are interested in medieval European culture and way of life. Since the first track to the last the album supports an atmosphere of folklore and fantasy. One may notice influences of renaissance music and Celtic and old Italian culture. These characteristics emerge remarkably well in acoustic solos and melodies. Everything is well combined with the fabrics of power metal creating a fine symbiosis.

There aren't any bad songs on this album. Each is good in its own way. There are songs like "Disappearing Sands," "Pathfinders," and "Moonchariot" which tear the spirit of the listener into their world of wild dances and flaming merriness. Other songs are powerful, some with a merrier, some with more serious undertone. Songs that make one sit back and be driven through times and ethereal landscapes, songs that teach the listeners values of life and give strength making it easier to cope the challenges of everyday life. "Wyrd" includes melodies that whirl around and create images of the wonderful world where elves and hobbits dwell.

Nothing bad can be said about the work of the band here. Kleid's voice possesses the same qualities Damnagoras has, essential for the atmosphere of Elvenking. However, Kleid does have his own characteristics. While Damnagoras' voice on "Heathenreel" was mostly tenor, then the voice span of Kleid seems to have slightly larger boundaries.
This makes the particular album very original and by no means can one forget the female vocals of Pauline Tacey, Laura De Luca and Giada Etro and the choirs which make the songs even more powerful.

The structure of "Wyrd" is similar to the one of "Heathenreel." A wild journey through a true wonderland and its different regions ends up with a large musical piece of art. On the previous album this was "Seasonspeech," here we have "A Poem For The Firmament." Unfortunately the latter song isn't as energetic and catchy as the one of "Heathenreel" but it is a very fine ending to "Wyrd." This track includes all colours of life, sometimes mild and narrative, on the other hand tough and harsh, having the features of a true farewell song. After the long journey of the day, "A Poem..." repeats all the experienced aspects of life as in a mirror of memory and eventually has its calm end.

Finally, it can only be told that "Wyrd" is indeed a grand album by a grand band. It is a merry piece of art that may help anyone to start a busy day, waking up and giving strength in a sleepy morning and offering relief between busy hours.