This is our most recent album and it was released in 2006.
From the first second, “All Natures Child” pulls you in, and it doesn’t let go.
“A Hopeful Fall” instantly portals you to some dark, damp forest. You can almost feel the mist on your skin and the moss under your feet. What a perfect, atmospheric opener, and what a surprise to hear a female voice for the first time! And what a voice! The incredible tones she is able to hit give the whole track this ancient, almost ritual feeling. The lyric “I am Root and Branches, leaf and sap. Life embracing, life releasing”, sets the tone for the whole album perfectly. Nature as eternity.
“Wotan’s Return” hits with pure pagan power. As a fan of mythology in metal and folk, I love when a band goes all-in on the old Gods. “Wotan’s gone, one eyed god. Wisdom is gone”, you can really feel that longing for guidance, for the old wisdom to return. The imagery of crows speaking of his return and history of the tribes. This is epic storytelling the way I love it.
“The Leprechaun” is such a great, character-driven folk tale. You can see him right there at the Oak leaf bar. I love that the character was given flaws and heart. The line “Every night in mind, I travel far” while sitting silently with his pint is so human and relatable. And that anthemic chorus “I may be small but I can drink like a man”. You just know this one will be sung very loud live. Fantastic sense of humor and tragedy combined.
“Shave Your Head”. Wow! This is powerful, dark historical storytelling and I love that they dared to go there. You take an old, brutal custom and make us feel the pain, the anger, and the regret inside it. “You are me flower me life”, that conflict between love, betrayal, and tradition is so intense. It shows real courage as lyricists to explore the darker sides of our history. Musically and lyrically gripping.
“Das Veilchen” is a beautiful choice. Taking Goethe’s classic poem and giving it their own voice is brilliant. The fragility of the little violet that just wants to be loved for a moment. “ach nur ein kleines Weilchen”, and finds joy even in dying at her feet, it’s so poetic and bittersweet. It shows the romantic, classical side of the band so well.
“XVS” gives us a moment to breathe and go nuts on the dancefloor. A great instrumental bridge that keeps the energy high and lets the equipment do the talking. Love it!
And then “The Source Of Our Land”. What an unexpected and wonderful turn. I love that the band expanded in what styles and instruments they used here. It feels wide, hopeful and deeply rooted at the same time. After songs of gods, tragedy and folklore, you give us this hymn to the land itself: “Just look at the sun rising every day… Just look at the birds which fly in perfect freedom.” It’s that perfect balance. Yes, you’ve seen rape, killing, bloody gore, but you also show us why it’s worthy to live on. “The Gods will guide you, and the paths will lead you to the source of our land.” I’m really looking forward to hearing more like it in the future. It shows so much growth.
With “Spancil Hill” they honored the folk tradition with so much respect, and the “Outro” leaves us exactly where we started, wanting to press play again.
The album “All Natures Child” is a journey through myth, nature, love, loss and humor. It’s rooted, it’s honest, and it’s full of heart. A true folk gem that grows with every listen.
Review by your friendly music companion.
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