Book of Dowth cover

Book of Dowth

Suidakra · 2011

40 min · 10 tracks · folk metal

A potent blend of folk melodies and metal aggression, steeped in mythological storytelling and atmospheric instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dowth 2059 — This track merges aggressive guitar riffs with ethereal melodies, exemplifying the album's fusion of heavy metal and traditional folk elements while deeply engaging with its mythological themes.
  • →
    Biróg's Oath — With its haunting vocals and rich instrumentation, this song captures the essence of ancient tales, showcasing Suidakra’s skill in weaving narrative and melody.
  • →
    Fury Fomoraigh — The epic structure and dynamic shifts in this track highlight the band's ability to create dramatic musical landscapes that reflect historical narratives of conflict and valor.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk melodies with metal aggression effectively, showcasing strong compositions and thematic depth.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that features both melodic guitar riffs and traditional folk instruments, setting a dynamic tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate tempo changes, shifting from aggressive metal sections to softer, atmospheric passages that highlight the folk elements.
  • Lyrical themes draw heavily from mythology, with storytelling woven throughout the songs, often accompanied by choral backing vocals for added depth.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • atmospheric storytelling elements
  • epic soundscapes for adventure
  • invokes ancient mythic imagery

Maybe skip if you

  • seeks straightforward structures
  • prefers instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Book of Dowth' was released in 2011, Suidakra had established themselves firmly in the folk metal scene with several albums under their belt. This release marked a significant continuation of their thematic explorations into Celtic mythology and history, following their previous album 'Eternal Defiance' from 2009. The band was navigating a transitional phase as they expanded their sound and narrative depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Eluveitie· Finntroll· Korpiklaani

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Over Nine Waves 1:57
  • 2 Dowth 2059 4:38
  • 3 Battle-Cairns 3:36
  • 4 Biróg's Oath 4:18
  • 5 Mag Mell 3:19
  • 6 The Dark Mound 5:14
  • 7 Balor 4:43
  • 8 Stone of the Seven Suns 5:01
  • 9 Fury Fomoraigh 5:42
  • 10 Otherworlds Collide 1:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata