Released 20 years ago
The Winter Wake
Elvenking · 2006
67 min · 12 tracks · power metal
A vibrant blend of folk melodies and power metal energy, steeped in mythic storytelling and lush instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Swallowtail — This track exemplifies the album's signature fusion of melodic hooks and folk influences, featuring an engaging chorus that invites listener participation.
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The Winter Wake — The title track encapsulates Elvenking's thematic focus on nature and mythology, combining powerful instrumentation with evocative lyrics about seasonal change.
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March of Fools — With its driving rhythm and catchy refrain, this song showcases the band’s ability to blend heavy riffs with traditional folk melodies, making it a live favorite.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and power metal effectively, showcasing intricate compositions and strong performances.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of dual guitar harmonies that intertwine with folk-inspired melodies across multiple tracks.
- Several songs incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and flutes, enhancing the mythic storytelling aspect.
- The tempo varies significantly, with tracks like 'March of Fools' maintaining a fast pace while others like 'On the Morning Dew' slow down for introspection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- immersive epic soundscapes
- vibrant medieval melodies
- adventurous storytelling themes
- cathartic full-volume release
- dynamic pacing with surprises
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward structures
- avoid lengthy immersive pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Winter Wake was Elvenking's third studio album, released on January 17, 2006. Following the success of their previous album, Heathenreel, this record solidified their position in the folk metal scene while showcasing a refined sound that incorporated more orchestral elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Korpiklaani· Finntroll· Blind Guardian
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Trows Kind 5:57
- 2 Swallowtail 4:26
- 3 The Winter Wake 4:19
- 4 The Wanderer 4:53
- 5 March of Fools 5:45
- 6 On the Morning Dew 3:29
- 7 Devil’s Carriage 4:03
- 8 Rats Are Following 4:37
- 9 Rouse Your Dream 4:48
- 10 Neverending Nights 6:58
- 11 Disillusion’s Reel 4:54
- 12 Petalstorm 12:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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