British folk/pagan metallers The Wolves Of Avalon are back with their second album, Boudicca’s Last Stand, following their 2011 debut Carrion Crows Over Camlan. As a whole, it’s an alright listen but it does feel like there could be some room for improvement.
The instrumentation is particularly good, with a wide variety of instruments used in the music – aside from the standard arrangement of guitar/bass/drums, the music also features instruments such as violin, flute and accordion to name but three! It really helps give colour and depth to the music and works especially well when coupled with the harsh vocals, the soft melody juxtaposing fantastically with the aggression.
Unfortunately, there are times in the album where everything just feels somewhat disorganised and disjointed, with ideas occasionally not quite flowing like they perhaps should. It sometimes feels like the vocal line is written to accompany a different instrumental line, which makes everything feel like it doesn’t quite match. It’s a shame because when things work, it makes for a wholly engaging and interesting listen, but when they don’t, it’s subsequently quite difficult to connect with said track.
Ultimately, Boudicca’s Last Stand definitely appeal to pagan metal fans with songs such as Behold The Feast Of The Slaughter Gods and Cold As Mouldering Clay, but there are sections that are a little more of a struggle to connect with. However, it is an all-round good offering, and it will be interesting to see where the band go next.
6/10
The Wolves Of Avalon: Facebook
