Review by J Appleby



Bringing a whole new meaning to the term “girl power” is this power metal/classical group called Blackthorn that hail from the dark and frozen expanses of Russia.  Their new release, “Gossamer Witchcraft” has been released digitally on iTunes by Midlands label Hunter’s Moon and contains eerie, soprano vocals against guitars, chiming synth and precise drums.

The album starts out with a 46 second poem that sets the scene for an epic tale of mystical and gothic proportions.  There’s a mix of Russian and English lyrics, which just exudes a haunting tone throughout the album, dealing with witchcraft, ancient cults and an infatuation with mythical, beast-like creatures.

Although this is a predominantly feminine offering, it appears they did seek some manly input. Dart Scarsson lends his demonic death vocals on the third track, Necromance and a guitar solo is heard on “Edenbeast” from fellow Russian rocker, Shadow Host’s Alexey Arzamazov.
 
There are bursts of doom in tracks like “Saturnia”. And songs that could easily be set in vampiristic horror flicks like the title track, “Gossamer Witchcraft” that again starts with a spoken poem against a background of melancholy synth strings and ominous guitars.  Werewolves bay on “The Blackness I Prowl”.  The lighter side of metal is explored as well on “Will-o the Wisp”.   The common thread by far is the impressive, almost operatic quality of lead singer, Aina’s vocals. 

Fans of medieval metal concepts like Elis’ Griefshire should definitely get into this album as it releases inner visions of sorcery, elementals and witches. 

Blackthorn is:
Aina: Soprano/Screams
Elvira: Guitar/Screams
Freya: Keys/Hysteric Screams
Greta: Bass Guitar
Varaska: Drums

Track Listing:
01. Immortelle for a Hollow Grave
02. Edenbeast
03. Necromance
04. The Moon Emerged From Behind Clouds
05. Saturnia
06. Blackthorn Winter
07. The Blackness I Prowl
08. Gossamer Witchcraft
09. Will-o-the-wisp
10. The Cobweb Veils Fall Down With Grace
11. Necromance (Exclusive Russian Language Version)
12. The Moon Emerged From Behind Clouds (Exclusive Russian Language Version)

Available from iTunes

http://www.myspace.com/blackthornian