Siren’s Rain - Rise Forth

Band: Siren’s Rain

Album: Rise Forth

Release date: 8. October 2021

Record label: self released

Genre: Dark Folk Metal

From: Tacoma, USA

 

 

 

Siren’s Rain was founded in 2014 and has released to EPs: Beneath The Narrows in 2016 and Nightmares From The Abyss in 2019.
The band consists of Rena Hellzinger- vocals, harp and percussion, William Beritich: bass, percussion and backing vocals. Scott Eugene Jones: percussion, Michael Heaney: mandolin and guitar, Ed Miller: guitar, nyckelharpa and backing vocals.

 

This band makes me think of 90s metal bands and Gothenburg metal, particularly Arch Enemy. These songs sound like they were written the old way, in the rehearsal room, not on computers with all parts programmed. This is a band I imagine I could have discovered while looking the cds at my record store when such things still existed.

A major part of the sound of Siren’s Rain is the use of folk instruments and folk inspired melodies, as well as the use of folk instruments to play metal riffs. However, this doesn’t turn this into a polka-metal band, as too often happens with folk metal bands. Instead the folk instruments are used to contrast and augment the metal, making it closer to the way Cruachan, Skyclad and Suidakra write folk metal. As these 2 bands, they use extreme metal influences bringing them closer to Scandinavian style Viking Metal, particularly how it’s played by Enslaved.

 

In addition to the folk instruments, there are great folk inspired vocal lines, making one think of northern indigenous peoples, be it among the first nations or northern Eurasia. Again, this draws one back to the 90s, with the Norwegian Sami metal band Intrigue.

 

The lyrics of the band is an interesting mix of paganism, environmentalism, personal stories and fantasy heroics that fits very well with the music.

 

Rena Hellzinger demonstrates a very varied vocal, with styles ranging from extreme metal growling to clean vocals and more operatic folk vocals. I would say her vocals are at it’s most powerful when she does clean and operatic vocals.

 

The two guitarists, Michael Heaney and Ed Miller play mainly rhythm, while the melodies are mostly placed on folk instruments. However, when they turn to lead, they deliver beautiful lead melodies and cool licks, just check out the instrumental Folk Metal Funk or the solos on Discarded Hope and Keepers.

 

I really like all the different folk instruments, both the sound of them on the record, and the actual melodies they play. The folk instruments fit very well into the songs, and are not just an afterthought or a gimmick.

It’s interesting to hear fast paced picking on folk instruments instead of fuzzy guitars, keeping the band towards a folk, rather than black metal sound.

 

Siren’s Rain has a very powerful rhythm section, where the drums of Scott Eugene Jones, the bass of William Beritich and the additional percussion instruments like the frame drum work together for a very heavy sound, both on the metal and the folk parts.

I like that there is a rhythmical development in many of the songs, changing up the pace of the songs or going into quicker, heavier parts to build up the songs.

 

I have the impression that only real drums are used on this record. The drums and percussion sounds very organic, which suits the folk style very well. I also enjoy that the cymbals are a bit more up front than what is often the case in a modern mix. This gives a certain live feel and makes the drums feel more alive.

 

I’m not certain how I feel about the mix. There are some things that I would wish were done differently when listening to the album on ordinary speakers. However, when listening on my studio monitors (yes, I know it’s cheating, but since I’m a musician myself, I can do that), the band sounds great!
The mix is quite clear on any medium, however listening on studio monitors really gave a fuller and richer sound. I don’t know what’s happening here. Maybe my other speakers are at fault here, but my suggestion is to listen on studio monitors or high end speakers for best enjoyment.

 

To sum up, here are some great compositions to enjoy both on album and live! I have ordered the album, and hope I will be able to eventually see the band live.
You can preorder the album here: https://sirensrain.bandcamp.com/
And follow Siren’s Rain here: https://linktr.ee/sirensrainband