…And they’ve reached number 8. Suidakra still holds on and once in a few years they faithfully deliver a new cd to the fans. This time it’s called Caledonia. On this record, they proceed with the heavy metal with a lot of pagan/folk influences. Originally they began as a black metal band and in a song like ‘Forth Clyde’ they return somewhat to those roots. Most of the songs are just good metal songs, same thing I said in my review of Suidakra’s last record (Command To Charge). On this record they have the same melodic (sometimes death) metal riffs with proud vocals. They keep the record pretty exciting and diverse, with some brutal riffs (aforementioned Forth Clyde and ‘Dawning Tempest’ with an awesome bagpipes part) but also give you some rest with ‘Ramble’, a folky acoustic song.

And compared to ‘Command to Charge’ they brought more nuance to their music, it sounds way more balanced. Definitely a step forward. The bio states ‘imagine Caledonia as a sonic guide through the fierce ancient Scottish Highlands’. Very true. This could be a soundtrack for two rivalling clans and the music symbolizes all the emotions of lost wars, friendship and fight for freedom until death. Next time I go to Scotland, I will bring this cd with me.