Sweden’s Celtic-themed Melodic Death Metal stalwarts Eluveitie (“the Helvetian” in Etruscan) have been spreading joyful violence since 2002. Theirs is a train I jumped on right away, after doing my daily search for new Metal when I discovered Ven their fantastic EP from 2004. “Uis Elveti,” and “Your Gaulish War” became anthems for me, and then came Spirit in 2006. It was followed by an absolute slew of fantastic offerings, and Eluveitie quickly became my favorite Folk Metal band.

So, in 2025, we find them rejuvenated, so to speak,k after some lineup changes; they return with Ànv. It’s a bit of a return to the aggression of Spirit and Helvetios. Ategnatos was released in 2019, so it’s been a long minute since releasing anything other than singles and a collaboration. Ànv is their 9^th full-length, and it finds them on fire throughout the album.

“Emerge” is the introduction track, and it sets the tone for what you’re about to experience. It rises out of the speakers like mist in a field. Then comes “Taranoías” and Chrigel Glanzmann’s distinctive roar comes in, his delivery is on fire, and when he’s joined by Fabienne Erni midway through it just elevates the track even more. That energy continues with “The Prodigal Ones”, another salty blast fest switching deftly from thrashing to these lush slowdowns that punctuate the album and add amazing depth and emotion that balances perfectly with the whirlwind of aggression.

“Ànv” is one of these interludes as well as being the title track, and it’s staggering how even beauty can live next to unbridled chaos. “Premonition” is just one favorite track singled out, a thrasher that’s alive with violins, and it’s followed by another banger, “Awen” some serious Swedish Melodic Death Metal going on, it bounces around and is ridiculous fun with those angelic female vocals.

“Anamcara” is a beautiful acoustic 1:36 lull before some killer riffing bursts out in the  “The Harvest” but it’s “Memories of Innocence” that gets my juices flowing on a fine Spring day. “All Is One” is a huge festival-sized track, juxtaposed with the seething rage of “Aeon of the Crescent Moon.” It’s a brutal gut punch with fangs bared and ready to rip. “The Prophecy” closes Ànv in a grandiose fashion, on a no shit orchestral level added to that. It’s bombastic and culminates in a soaring chorus. Then you hit play again.

Ànv has a stellar production, every instrument is mixed perfectly and the artwork is fucking killer to boot. If you like Arkona, Ensiferum, Korpiklaani, and all things Folk Metal, I urge you to pick up Ànv and submit to the ancient ones.

[Visit the band's website]

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