I have been very vocal with how pleased I am with what folk metal has brought to the table since the very beginning of 2025. While the second half of the year may not have been as bombastic as the first, it demands to be said that the genre has experienced a tremendous showing of talent from bands of all sorts, and it’s only fitting in the closing days of the year that the genre would have one last hurrah for us to become lost within. Initially, I was certain that Olde Throne would give us that, but it’s in putting out their new album just a week later that Silence of the Nemeta gives us what almost definitely 2025’s last instance of exemplary folk metal with it more than worthy of being held up to the same level as all that has come before it.

It was only last year that Silence of the Nemeta came to us with its debut effort, and I was downright certain that it would be at least a little bit longer before we heard from the name again. There was great potential to be had in that effort with loads of improvement to be had, and it’s upon an initial investigation of this new effort, “Towards the Chimaera”, that it becomes exceedingly clear just how far this one-man act has already come. Barely over a year and a half since its debut, the growth that Silence of the Nemeta showcases throughout these expansive six tracks across a 52-minute runtime is simply captivating to become lost within. Rather than merely taking some folk cues and putting them before a backdrop that is mostly black metal, “Towards the Chimaera” sees both folk and black metal sharing the stage in equal amount to make for an experience that begs the word “cinematic” with Silence of the Nemeta crafting a singularly enthralling vision of the genre that we rarely witness. Overflowing with atmosphere and light that are juxtaposed brilliantly with scathing black metal, every minute of this record pushes the listener into a realm that is simply gorgeous. Silence of the Nemeta has quickly evolved into being something that takes many of the same notions and concepts from this sound to an entity that makes the genre entirely its own.

Despite being around for hardly any time at all, “Towards the Chimaera” is a grand accomplishment in craftsmanship that anyone ought to be proud of creating. Dynamic and simply captivating for all that it dares to bring to the table, Silence of the Nemeta is a name we would do well to keep a sharp eye on, for who knows what else this act is capable of?

LISTEN to “Towards the Chimaera” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Silence of the Nemeta on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Silence of the Nemeta on Instagram here.