Review: “Relics” by Scald

Inspired by Scandinavian and Slavic mythology, back in 1993 Russian Epic.Doom Metal act Scald were formed and with their 1997 album album “Will Of The Gods Is Great Power” they rose to prominence in the genre. However their time was cut short with the tragic death of vocalist Agyl in a railroad accident in the September of that year. The band would go on to reform in 2019 for a performance at Hammer of Doom Festival, where they were joined by vocalist Felipe Plaza. That would lead to 2024 album “Ancient Doom Metal” before Plaza exited stage left to be replaced by Vendel vocalist Hrafn.

As fans will know, there were a collection of songs that Scald had written after the recording of the aforementioned “Will Of The Gods Is Great Power” album, songs which were performed live with Agyl that were never recorded. “Relics” sees those  songs exhumed and injected with new life courtesy of new vocalist Hrafn, honouring the memory of Agyl in the finest possible way. Curiously Scald mention the inspiration behind these songs in a very particular way, referencing album “Leahkastin” by Norwegian Sami singer Mari Boine and the soulful vocals of the late Warrel Dane on Sanctuary album “Into The Mirror Black”.

Exhuming ancient songs and doing them justice is never the easiest thing, especially in the absence of original vocalist Agyl but in truth it doesn’t take long to realise the qualities of Hrafn upon opening cut “Master of Tundra” as the tribute to his legacy begins. A meandering Traditional Metal tune with progressive leanings, it is brightened by his soaring clean vocals which are nothing short of spellbinding over the seven and a half minute magnum opus. What’s interesting is that while the songs sound of their time, they don’t sound dated, modern production techniques stitching everything together nicely.

An epic piece of Traditional Heavy with some masterful soloing and graceful storytelling, “Ravens” then soars like an Eagle riding the thermals. Despite hailing from Russia there is no hint of any form of accenting in the vocals from Hrafn, which are sung English with a sense of pride. A clean, crisp drum sound and stellar musicianship helps elevate these songs and there are moments when you can’t help but think about what might have been for the five piece had things turned out differently.

While the first two songs are stunning, some of the vocals are a little too high pitched in places on the sinister evil that is “Flame“. It almost feels like Hrafn is trying a little too hard, pushing himself a little too far in order to impress however fortunately the dark atmospheric and masterful riffs keep you engaged and enthralled throughout.

The odd one out of this collection is “Falcon“, a carefully selected cover of song written by Agyl for his pre-Scald band Ross, however the current incarnation of Scald have made it their own, the flute adding a sense of grandeur before the epic face melting solo. The beauty of this song is that it doesn’t sound out of place, instead simply being a continuation of what came before it, performed with style and grace. The grand finale of the record is “Sokol“, a rendition of “Falcon” in the bands native tongue and a more fitting tribute to the legend of Agyl one could not imagine. Now their unfinished business has been laid to rest, we eagerly await the next chapter from Scald [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Master of Tundra
2. Ravens
3. Flame
4. Falcon
5. Sokol

“Relics” by Scald is out 4th September 2026 via Cruz Del Sur Music