Adorned Brood – “Noor”

Adorned Brood is one of the most interesting and innovative bands I believe I have heard in a while. The band’s newest release, Noor, is a captivating blend of Scandinavian Folk Music and head banging heavy metal; the result is quite astonishing and incredibly good. As soon as the “Intro” track began playing I found myself drawn into a world inhabited by Vikings and Trolls and once there I did not want to leave.

I think the aspect that stands out the most to me about this CD is the variety and blending of genres. At times, the tunes are straight up, catchy, balls out metal and at other times, I felt I had been transported clear across the globe to Scandinavia. The incorporation of various instrumentation, (accordions and flutes as well as orchestral strings) in what I believe is probably traditional native folk songs really makes this disc sparkle.

After listening to the disc in its entirety I am not sure I can single out just one tune that would be a favorite of mine, they are all fun and extremely contagious. I honestly enjoyed each one of them.

I would be remiss not to at least mention the production on this disc. As many of you already know, I am a fan of big, clean productions and I feel that Noor fits this bill perfectly. There are many different instruments and vocals running through each song yet nothing ever gets lost in the mix; everything remains crisp, clear and huge the way I feel a good production should be.

I can say with all sincerity that if you are looking for a good sounding record that is a little bit outside the box, then Noor is going to fit the bill perfectly. It is well worth the price of admission and I would suggest you check this one out; it is quite good.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Intro
02. Storm
03. Am Grunde Des Meeres
04. Sons Of The Damned
05. Noor
06. Adorned Brood
07. Schiff Der Toten
08. Trollmelody
09. Under Yggdrasil
10. Drunken Sailor

Run Time: 44:58
Release Date: 12.05.2008