It is simply not nearly often enough that folk metal is given a worthy representation of what it can become even after all these years, but rarely does something great come around in large quantity with this genre certainly subject to that truth. A dense sound that can contain many different flavors and transport the listener to any number of realms, this is a sound we don’t often see come in such a form that isn’t in conjunction with another sound in metal, particularly black metal. As such when a competent piece of folk metal does come around, it should be heralded for all that it is. By and large, Firemage has started down the right path with its first EP.

The initial steps every band must take are oftentimes overloaded with uncertainty for all the right reasons whether there are still a few elements that need ironing out or the band has yet to become a cohesive unit that moves as one presence rather than merely separate musicians. Thus, when a band manages to make an appearance that takes into consideration much more than what contemporary acts might, the cocking of an eyebrow is certainly warranted. From the first track of “Ignis” alone, Firemage more than qualifies for such a response. A wary entry but one that still manages to bring forth loads of energy, riffs, emotion, and folk instrumentation the likes of which always makes a band stand out, “Ignis” is a brilliant example of what it means for a band to take those first steps with immense confidence while leaving more than enough room for improvement and vast expansion. Despite having a runtime that doesn’t even crack nineteen minutes, “Ignis” brings quite a bit to the table that many folk metal acts who have been going at it for years just simply aren’t able to tap into.

A new name that manages to channel the finest of what the genre has become known for while still managing to show us they are but humble nomads on a journey that will take them from the hearth to the blazes of war, Firemage has done nothing but intrigue and allure with the promise that’s found within this piece. “Ignis” is but the prelude to a greater album that Firemage already has in the works, and I think it’s safe to say that it’s already one of those record folk metal enthusiasts should absolutely keep a lookout for.

“Ignis” releases on November 1st!

LISTEN to the single, “Dance With the Fire”, on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Firemage on Facebook here.