I can't help but feel as though I have been in this exact situation before. A band that has been rising from the underground at a steady pace to finally find themselves gaining the recognition and respect that they've deserved since day one with their craft only having become deadlier and far more cunning over the years to the point that they've become a name not to be denied in their respective style. Having put out their debut EP not even four full years ago, Hand of Kalliach has come an extremely long way! Their evolution and persistence have been marvelous to witness from virtually every angle with each new release offering a new perspective and level of quality that is simply enchanting from top to bottom. That trend only continues with their second full-length album.
To discuss Hand of Kalliach is to truly talk about one of the few acts that actually deserve to be given the accolade of "every album better than the last", and I would stand by that to my grave. The current rise of Hand of Kalliach has been a true pleasure and honor to watch with their last album feeling like it was only released last year to make the arrival of this new opus a more than welcome treat, and it's in every form that "Corryvreckan" delivers in each and every capacity. Somehow cleaner but more aggressive, the nine tracks of "Corryvreckan" surely have that ancient Scottish magic woven into its very notes to make for a particularly potent listen that is nigh-on gripping, overflowing with majesty, and always ready to throw down intensity in concert with beauty to make for a tantalizing multi-dimensional listen that holds nothing back. Melodic and vicious in the right proportions, this is a record that is sure to be a standout creation for both Hand of Kalliach no matter what comes in later down the line while the whole of folk metal in 2024 should herald this record for the utter glory that it executes at practically every given turn. While I still long for the day that Hand of Kalliach will implement the use of instruments like violins, mandolins, accordions, or anything like what folk metal has been regarded for using in spectacular fashion in the past, there's no way for me to deny the excellence that Hand of Kalliach has been able to bring to the table time and time again. For all that it achieves, "Corryvreckan" is an immaculate representation of that truth.
This has been a band that has been out to prove itself from its very beginnings, and it's in every instance that Hand of Kalliach has yet to disappoint. It damn near brings a tear to my eye to finally see this act get the recognition that it deserved years ago, but it is certainly better late than never with "Corryvreckan" the perfect vessel to solidfy this duo's presence in the folk metal scene that demands to be held in high regard. Where many would take far longer to gain any sort of foothold and deliver the goods, Hand of Kalliach has become a true force to reckon with for everything that they dare to become with this new opus.
"Corryvreckan" releases on February 23rd via Prosthetic Records!
LISTEN to an advanced track from "Corryvreckan" on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Hand of Kalliach on Facebook here.
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