Is Slania/Evocation I – The Arcane Metal Hammer Edition a good place to start with Eluveitie?

Yes, Slania/Evocation I – The Arcane Metal Hammer Edition is recommended as a starting point for new Eluveitie listeners. A potent blend of melodic death metal and traditional Celtic folk, weaving ancient themes into powerful riffs and haunting melodies. In 2009, Eluveitie was riding the wave of success following their breakthrough album 'Slania', which had established them as a leading force in the folk metal scene. 'Slania/Evocation I – The Arcane Metal Hammer Edition' serves as a companion piece, showcasing the band's ability to merge aggressive metal with rich folk traditions while expanding their audience.

How many songs are on Slania/Evocation I – The Arcane Metal Hammer Edition?

Slania/Evocation I – The Arcane Metal Hammer Edition has 13 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Slania/Evocation I – The Arcane Metal Hammer Edition

Q: Who is Slania/Evocation I – The Arcane Metal Hammer Edition for?

Slania/Evocation I – The Arcane Metal Hammer Edition works well if you're into steady mid-tempo progression, immersive storytelling through sound and intricate melodies with energy.

Eluveitie · 2009

49 min · 13 tracks · melodic death metal

A potent blend of melodic death metal and traditional Celtic folk, weaving ancient themes into powerful riffs and haunting melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Arcane Dominion Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Inis Mona (including live intro) — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound, combining energetic instrumentation with traditional melodies that resonate deeply with listeners.
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Brictom — With its driving rhythms and intricate harmonies, 'Brictom' showcases Eluveitie's skillful melding of heavy metal and folk elements, creating an engaging listening experience.
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Omnos — 'Omnos' stands out for its serene yet powerful vocal delivery, representing a moment of reflection amidst the otherwise intense sonic landscape of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Eluveitie blends metal and Celtic elements effectively, creating a distinctive sound that resonates within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a powerful orchestral intro that sets a dramatic tone, followed by tracks that alternate between aggressive metal riffs and melodic folk passages.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, blending harsh growls with clean singing, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
The use of traditional instruments like flutes and bagpipes is prominent in many songs, enhancing the Celtic atmosphere while maintaining a heavy metal foundation.
The final track is a medley that revisits themes from earlier songs, providing a cohesive conclusion to the album's narrative.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

steady mid-tempo progression
immersive storytelling through sound
intricate melodies with energy
celtic folklore-inspired themes

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A unique edition that showcases the band's sound but isn't a primary entry point.
Themes: Celtic mythology· ancient rituals· rural landscapes
Career context: In 2009, Eluveitie was riding the wave of success following their breakthrough album 'Slania', which had established them as a leading force in the folk metal scene. 'Slania/Evocation I – The Arcane Metal Hammer Edition' serves as a companion piece, showcasing the band's ability to merge aggressive metal with rich folk traditions while expanding their audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Finntroll· Korpiklaani· Ensiferum