Date: 2020
Total Time: 56:05
Label: Dangus Records

Baltic is a region in north-east Europe that, in the recent years, has given us many and important bands in the field of Folk/Pagan Metal. This is totally expected due to the people’s temperament and the history of the region. Let’s not forget that those are the last areas of Europe that converted to Christianity, so their love for tradition and nature is ever present.

ROMUVOS is a band from Lithuania that started as a solo project by Velnias. The name of the band derives from the “romuva” movement that embraces pre-Christian traditions and foundations of Lithuanian religion and pagan traditions. This can be clearly seen in the songs of their two first albums. Their third album that is released this year, however, stands out even more, as it is a concept epic masterpiece. “The Baltic Crusade” describes the battles that took place between the years 1236 and 1279 among the last pre-Christian tribes of the region under the banner of king Mindaugas and the Christian crusader invaders of the Livoniac Order and later the Templar Knights.

The songs (nine in all) describe the most important battles. Each song is a battle. Remarkably structured, they create a perfect atmosphere and make the listener a virtual witness to the events. There are obvious influences by FALKENBACH and HEIDEVOLK, as well as the epic side of QUORTHON’s work is easily distinguishable in many songs. Velnias, flawlessly meeting the vocal demands (his name derives from the Baltic God of the dead), is surrounded by outstanding musicians. Blackbard and Ofer on the guitars give an excellent performance. The first one is responsible for all the traditional instruments too. Bagpipes, harp, violin and flute give just the right touch. Any more could change the feeling of a battle into that of a fair, but that has been totally avoided.

Highlights of the album are “Saule – 1236” (The Battle of Saule, known as “The Battle of the Sun”), “Skuodas – 1259”, “Durbe – 1260”, “The Baltic Crusade” and, finally, the amazing eight minutes long “Aizkraukle – 1279”, which is the epilogue of these battles. Fantastic lyrics by Velnias who was influenced by true events and not myths and legends; the epic cover of the album is his creation too! It is very important to mention that all songs are in English with very few Lithuanian moments, when needed.

An amazing historical – musical work about the history and the legacy of the last pagans of Europe. One of the best releases of this year in the genre. They deserve congratulations!

Rating: 8/10
Editor: Nikos Vlachos
Related Link: ROMUVOS – Facebook Page