Liar Flags

If you are reading this review, you most likely discovered a band from Spain know as Runic. Runic is not just some ordinary every day Folk/Black Metal band, they can be greatly compared to that of Ensiferum and Moonsorrow. Runic has great fast pace songs, that are very comparable to Ensiferum. While Runic uses more folk elements than Ensiferum, their folk style and singing can be compared to Moonsorrow.

Track one “…When the Demons Ride” has a great folk acoustic intro. As soon as the intro is over, immediately the fast pace riffing comes in. This song just combines metal and folk elements well. There are also some great harpsichord parts in the middle of the song as well as flutes.

Track two “Liar Flags” has an epic instrumental intro, then kicks into some great fast pace riffing once again. The keyboards in the background along with the guitar really compliment the song. There’s a short keyboard breakdown in the song, that is just one of the coolest things I’ve ever heard. The song ends with a pretty awesome solo.

Track three “Ambush” is probably my favorite song on the album. There is some great guitar parts in this song. The best part of the song is probably the really catchy chorus. There is an amazing guitar solo around 2:39 mark. Around the end of the song comes in a very low, almost death metal voice that reminds me of Hypocrisy type vocals, which sounds amazing.

Track four “Lost Empire” has another great keyboard intro, that leads into acoustic parts and female vocals. Most of this singing is kind of death metal vocals. Has some great keyboard parts throughout the whole song.

Track five “Predecessor” starts off with the classical rain and thunder in the background, and then kicks in the violin and other folk elements. After the intro there is some great folk chants and horns that make me proud to be a Viking. Around the middle of the song comes in the amazing low, almost death metal voice. Afterwards comes another amazing solo.

Track six “To the Fallen” starts off with an acoustic intro but kicks into some great flute and guitar riffing. This song combines the death metal and black metal vocals. The keyboards once again, providing a great background and mood of the song.

Track seven “Vs Myself” begins with a short stings intro, that immediately kicks in to a some fast guitar riffing. This song one of the more average songs on the album, but still great. It does have some pretty memorable guitar riffs.

Track eight “Nau” immediately starts off with some fast pace guitar riffing and folk instruments. I’d say this is probably the best folk/metal combination on the album. Around the 2:04 mark comes in some great Viking chants that just put me in a trance. There is some great flute and bagpipe solos near the end.

Track nine, the final song “And a New Journey Begins…” is all instrumental. Usually most instrumental songs are kind of boring, but this one is much different. Although only 1:37 long, still amazing. Just listening to this song makes me think I’m in a castle preparing for battle. The horns and the strings just sound excellent together.

Overall, I highly recommend Runic’s “Liar Flags” to everyone out there. Runic is one of the greatest bands I have ever heard. If you are a fan of Ensiferum, Wintersun, Finntroll, Moonsorrow, or Thyrfing, check out Runic right away.