Paganfest America 2014
May 12, 2014 · Doors open at 5:00 pm
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(Warning: Graphic content—some videos below may not be appropriate for all viewers)
Korpiklaani
Korpiklaani’s music consists of metal with a happy folky base. So does their choice of instruments, they use a mixture of electric guitars and drums as well as violin, woodwinds, jouhikko, djembé, and the typical Finnish folk instrument: the accordion. They reject synthesizers (of course), and use only genuine instruments.
To most people their music is so cheerful and lively that they cannot resist dancing, laughing and feeling happy. Maybe that is why fans call it ‘beer-metal’ (it certainly has the same effect as beer), but it could be also due to the many songs about this all-time favorite drink of Korpiklaani.
The first Korpiklaani albums contained merely English lyrics, but nowadays most lyrics are in Finnish. These lyrics are often written in the Kalevala-style (a special metre, from the Finnish national epic) and tell about nature, history, partying and the already mentioned beer of course!
Turisas
Hear the roaring thunder? Finland’s finest metal export, Turisas is coming back – stronger than ever. Prepare yourselves for another wave of fist-pumping beat, catchy melodies and undisputed attitude, as the band is preparing for the launch of its 4th opus in Battle Metal.
Hailing from Hämeenlinna, Finland, Turisas is named after an ancient Finnish God of war. Ever since the debut album ”Battle Metal” (2004) came out, the band has become known as one of the most energetic, innovative and exciting metal acts both on record and onstage. Turisas has made its name through hundreds of shows and headline tours in Europe, the US, Russia and Latin America, and wherever the guys have set their foot, they have triumphed.
Often labeled as simply a folk metalband, the band defies easy genre definitions. Incorporating elements of symphonic power metal along with elements from prog, punk, death metal and even stadium rock, Turisas has truly carved a sound of their own. With no comparison, Turisas is as unique sounding battle metal as it gets.
Chthonic
While Taiwan is considered home of Austronesian peoples, and a mystic island nation in the Orient, advanced technologies and modern cities are also part of the image of Taiwan. The metal band Chthonic has given the best interpretation to the contrasting images of the country.
Chthonic’s lyrics are inspired by Taiwanese mythology, folk stories, and history, and the music incorporates elements of traditional Taiwanese folk music, enka, and sorrowful melody from Taiwanese opera, accompanied by traditional Taiwanese musical instruments, such as hena, zheng -also known as “box zither”- and pgaku flute. Also integral parts of Chthonic’s music are elements from contemporary symphonic black metal, melodic death metal, blood-boiling riffs and solos. Critiques have tried to label Chthonic’s music as black metal, death metal or folk metal, but Chthonic has chosen to use the term orient metal to define this genre of heavy metal music that’s unique to Taiwan. Meanwhile, Chthonic’s bassist Doris -who was dubbed one of the sexiest female rockers by Revolver, and has been on magazines such as FHM and GQ- is a bonus for fans all over the world.
Varg
Winterhymn
On distant, misty plains, you hear the sound of steel clanking on steel; the gallop of a thousand frenzied horses; the swollen beat of the war drums. You hear some men cry out in victory, but even more cry out in pain as their last breath is forced from their lungs. What you hear, is Winterhymn.
With the fantasy and escapism of Power Metal and brutal bludgeonings of modern Death and Black metal, comes Winterhymn, a soulful monster intent on musical conquest and resotring honor to the name of Heavy Metal. Raise your swords and cheer with us, or ready your knees and fall before us. The invasion has begun.
Helsott
Helsótt is Teutonic for “Fatal Illness”
Formed Feb 1st 2010 Helsótt is a melding of American Thrash/Death and Pagan Metal. Very melodic and very brutal music sets the pace for a high energy live act that can only be described as crushing.
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