If the Vikings had had electric guitars, this form of metal might have emerged: With brilliant guitar riffs by Sami Yli-Sirniö (KREATOR, WALTARI) and skilled, progressive drumming, the shape-shifters of CORVUS CORAX transform their style into a successful symbiosis of traditional instruments and heavy metal—creating a unique connection between the ancient and the dazzlingly modern.
With their new project “ERA METALLUM,” they combine the epic nature of CORVUS CORAX with the power of metal, creating a new, unique musical experience.
As a special bonus, there are seven Era Metallum versions, sung by: Hansi Kürsch (BLIND GUARDIAN), Doro Pesch, Alan Nemtheanga A. (PRIMORDIAL), Sabina Classen (HOLY MOSES), Kärtsy Hatakka (WALTARI), Andis Halla, and Philipp Bischoff (DAMNATION DEFACED). Additional feature guests include Bill Gould (FAITH NO MORE) and Sonia Anubis (COBRA SPELL).
Under the banner “ERA METALLUM,” CORVUS CORAX makes a powerful impact. On the double album released on June 24, 2022, bolstered by KREATOR’s Finnish guitar god Sami Yli-Sirniö and other guest appearances by established metal greats, the masters of ancient instruments present a carefully selected collection of their most beloved classics from the Nordic cultural circle in a new metallic sound. “We just wanted to play heavy metal,” explains percussionist and drummer Norri, who many will remember from his time with the cult metal band DEPRESSIVE AGE. So it’s no wonder that CORVUS CORAX has conjured up a hard-hitting new combination of “metal board” and ancient instruments with “ERA METALLUM.”
Anyone still expecting this to be another so-called “medieval rock album” for cheerful sing-alongs will be surprised by the opener. After a sinister intro, the ‘Gjallarhorni’ sounds with an Asgard-shattering force, making it clear where the musical journey to the far north is heading. Thundering horns, powerful choirs, and numerous “old” instruments, delivering everything from melody to madness, are united with bass, drums, and guitars in the best thrash and power metal tradition.
On the subject of “new,” the bards can announce that CORVUS CORAX has even contributed a freshly tailored, newly recorded epic with the dark ‘Víkingar’ on “ERA METALLUM.” It becomes doubly exciting when CORVUS CORAX has this testosterone-fueled number cleverly transformed into a feminine counterpart on the second CD by Icelandic opera singer Arndís Halla in Valkyrie fashion.
A similarly fascinating double treatment is given to the two Irish pieces ‘Na láma-sa’ and ‘Lá í mBealtaine.’ The former is heavily roughed up in another version by Primordial frontman Alan “Nemtheanga” Averill, while the second song is reinterpreted hymnically. This hit features BLIND GUARDIAN singer Hansi Kürsch, bassist Bill Gould (FAITH NO MORE), and guitarist Sonia Anubis from COBRA SPELL.
Of course, the Faroese street hit ‘Sverker’ must not be missing in this lineup—nor should the ominous, heavy Odin’s raven epic ‘Hugin & Munin’ or the lively mermaid ‘Havfru,’ which in the metallized new version occasionally transforms into a raging fury. And when Sabina Classen from HOLY MOSES takes over the vocal part of ‘Ragnarök,’ the sung apocalypse comes alarmingly close. Although the album works excellently without historical knowledge, specialists will notice that CORVUS CORAX covers the entire Nordic cultural area, including the Anglo-Saxon and Irish contact zones—without any pedantic attitude.
CORVUS CORAX are among the pioneers and founders of the German rock scene that dedicates itself to ancient instruments such as bagpipes, drums, and shawms. The two founding members, Castus and Wim Dobbrisch, already found each other in GDR times, and through the popular medieval markets, the path of CORVUS CORAX led to concert halls and the largest music festivals, such as the famous Wacken Open Air. With projects like the “Balkan meets Berliner Gassenhauer” combo BERLINSKIBEAT, the elaborate Carmina Burana re-composition “Cantus Buranus” with symphony orchestra and choir, or the tongue-in-cheek fantastical “Der Fluch des Drachen,” the band has always shown phenomenal stylistic range.
It therefore seems only logical that CORVUS CORAX now finally dedicate themselves to their love of heavy metal with “ERA METALLUM.” As always, the musical alchemists manage to transform raw metal into pure gold! With “ERA METALLUM,” CORVUS CORAX delivers a full dose that will captivate not only headbangers.
The Limited Edition contains an exclusive bonus disc with the following guests: Hansi Kürsch (BLIND GUARDIAN), Bill Gould (FAITH NO MORE), Doro, Sabina Classen (HOLY MOSES), Alan Nemtheanga A. (PRIMORDIAL), Arndís Halla, Philipp Bischoff (DAMNATION DEFACED) & Sonia Anubis (COBRA SPELL).