It’s exhilarating when you get to hear a band execute a style perfectly. Hand of Kalliach delivers folk-infused melodic death metal in the absolute best way possible. The band brings heavy and rich guitar tones and weaves them with a mix of harsh and melodic vocals, topped off with infectious rhythms and traditional instrumentation. It’s a fascinating combination of aggression and atmosphere — a balancing act between power and mystery that draws you into the band’s sonic realm.
Decibel is therefore pleased to present the band’s new video for the song “Fell Reigns,” from their upcoming album Corryvreckan, due out on February 23 via Prosthetic Records.
According to John, who serves on guitars, vocals and drums:
“As with our debut, Samhainn, this record thematically borrows from the legend of the Cailleach, the ancient witch god of winter from Scottish Celtic mythology. Ambiguously represented as both a vengeful hag and a youthful woman, a bitter destroyer and nurturing paragon of nature, the duality of the Cailleach is a large inspiration for our hybrid sound of melodeath and ethereal folk.”
Vocalist and bassist Sophie adds:
“Building upon the legend of the Cailleach, the ancient witch god of winter from Scottish Celtic mythology, with Fell Reigns, we wanted to explore her seasonal rise to power at Samhainn (the end of summer and beginning of winter) from a different perspective – that of one of her unnamed eight attendants, that assist her in ushering in winter.”
Celtic mythology offers a rich tradition of tales and legends, and its Scottish variant is one I’m less familiar with. Perhaps the band has something to teach all of us then. Check out the video below, and pre-order the album here.
