Skadika – Frozen legends

skadika - frozen legendsSkadika are a metal band from Cologne, Germany.  The band was founded in 2005, and after evolving their musical style released their debut album, Winter, in 2010.  In 2012 the lineup changed leaving singer Jule as the only remaining founder member.  Since changing the lineup the band have recorded their second album, Frozen legends, which was released in January 2013.
The band’s lyrics are about old legends, sagas and Nordic mythology.  Musically they describe themselves as symphonic metal but do have other influences which affect their sound.

The vocals are clean vocals from Jule with Base adding the almost obligatory growls.  Jule’s voice isn’t as smooth and polished as you might expect from a symphonic metal singer, instead it’s got a harder feel to it – more what you’d expect from a traditional metal or folk metal band.  Generally it sounds quite good, but during “Trapped” it just feels too thin and lacking in power

I’m not sure I’d have described the band as symphonic metal.  Yes there are some symphonic elements but there is also a folk metal feel.  The music is definitely on the heavier end of the spectrum of symphonic metal with some great guitar work and some nice use of the symphonic elements.

As a big fan of female fronted symphonic metal I was expecting to really enjoy this album. Unfortunately after listening to the album a few times I feel disappointed.  There is some really good music on the album, but I just can’t bring myself to like the vocals I’m afraid.  With different vocals I’d probably love the album, but sadly that’s not the case now.

Rating: 6/10

“Frozen legends” is out now.

Track listing:

1. Hunt in the forest
2. Trapped
3. Frozen legends
4. Avalon
5. The hero way
6. Runes on my skin
7. Frost
8. Dark circus
9. Cold heart

Skadika are:

Jule – Vocals
Base – Guitar & Growls
Chris – Guitars
Phil – Drums

About Ant May

I spend half my life at gigs or festivals and the other half writing the reviews and editing photos, and somehow find time for a full time job too. Who needs sleep - I've got coffee.