Ategnatos

Description

We are all created from archetypes. We are archetypes. Distant echoes of a life both primitive and noble. Accepting these archetypes, not only as part of life, but as life itself, is what some call enlightenment, a certain peace of mind. Eluveitie calls it "Ategnatos". They used their longest gap between two metal albums to expand their scope and create their strongest album to date. "Ategnatos", a work based on primitive archetypes and the ancient concept of renewal, unleashes an elemental power that one must first prepare for. "These archetypes are always within us. Humanity hasn't changed much over the last 3,000 years - and a person has always just been a person." Unsurprisingly, the album follows a decidedly darker, monumental tone, which suits it very well. Of course, Eluveitie has long since found its own typical sound, a sonic adventure often imitated but never surpassed. With "Ategnatos", this dedicated nine-member band not only worked with a real string quartet (for the first time!) but also gave Fabienne Erni's sublime mastery of the harp the space it deserves; they also underwent a holistic upgrade, resulting in some of the catchiest ("Ambriamus"), most aggressive ("Worship", with LAMB OF GOD titan Randy Blythe as guest vocalist) or even most epic ("Black Water Dawn") melodies that the Swiss folk-metal authority has ever produced.