Album Review: Eluveitie – Ànv

More than twenty years at the forefront of folk metal, Swiss folk metal outfit Eluveitie have returned with their ninth full-length album. Ànv is a familiar yet exciting offering, a potent mix of their signature folk metal sound with some new flavors that still feel true to what makes Eluveitie, well, Eluveitie. 

For those unfamiliar, Eluveitie are known for their unique blend of traditional Celtic folk music and the driving energy of Gothenburg-style melodic death metal. Ànv doesn’t disappoint. Tracks like “Aeon Of The Crescent Moon” are a perfect example, packed with fast-paced riffs, captivating vocal interplay, and, of course, the incredible violin and hurdy-gurdy work of Lea-Sophie Fischer. You’re instantly hit with that classic Eluveitie sound. And like their previous albums, Ànv incorporates those beautiful, often acoustic, folk interludes – “Anamcara” is a great example, using spoken word to create a really compelling story. 

The album continues to draw heavily on themes of Gaulish history and mythology, lending a real sense of depth and authenticity to the music. However, there’s also a palpable shift with their sound. Tracks “All Is One” and “The Prodigal Ones,” lean into more pop-influenced territory than previous albums. This might surprise longtime fans who are expecting a more aggressive edge. Despite this, it is an interesting evolution in sound. 

One of the real highlights is “Memories Of Innocence.” It’s a joyful track that truly showcases Eluveitie’s skill at creating an uplifting atmosphere with lively fiddling. It’s a brilliant contrast to the heavier moments on the album, making for a really engaging listening experience from beginning to end. And then there’s “Awen,” where Fabienne Erni’s powerful vocals and Chrigel Glanzmann’s ferocious growls create a dynamic showcase of the band’s versatility. 

The production is top-notch, as always. Everything – the mandolin, the whistles, the hurdy-gurdy, the whole metal setup – is so clear and distinct. It all weaves together to create that really rich, layered sound that’s so characteristic of Eluveitie. Honestly, those little pop touches that pop up now and then, like on “The Prodigal Ones,” don’t feel jarring at all; they actually add another layer of complexity. 

It’s pretty amazing to think about what Eluveitie’s been through personally in recent years. That makes Ànv even more impressive. The fact that they’ve been able to keep creating, keep pushing through challenges, and deliver another solid album really says something about their dedication. It feels like a real testament to their strength, a reminder that you can overcome even the toughest situations. 

Overall, Ànv is a fantastic addition to their discography. If you’re strictly looking for raw, aggressive folk metal, it might not be entirely what you want. But fans will definitely appreciate that familiar sound mixed with those fresh touches. It’s also pretty reassuring to know that despite changes in the lineup over the years, Eluveitie is still kicking, and as resilient as ever.