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In your favorite blender combine the medieval imagery of Blind Guardian, the spastic folk of Korpiklaani and the spoken word/sound effects of Kaledon. Add a dash of Dream Theater prog and you might end up with something like Scythia's ...of Exile.

From that recipe it is probably obvious that this album is ambitious and Canada's Scythia takes some risks. Some pay off while others do not. The sound of the album is not the greatest. The production is close and gauzy, muffling everything. The guitars are especially flat and unexciting. The playing isn't bad but if only one riff had leaped from the speakers and grabbed me by the throat it would have given the album a rallying point, but no such luck. The lyrics are overwrought, but that isn't unexpected on a fantasy-themed album. On the other hand the musical diversity is quite interesting and I give the band credit for creating a somewhat unique sound. Singer Dave Khan uses a variety of styles and drummer Celine Derval adds her voice, giving depth to the vocals.

There aren't many fillers, the spoken word/sound effects notwithstanding, but no standouts either. That means ...of Exile is a good listen while on but doesn't leave a huge impression. The audience for folky, medieval Metal is likely to be narrow, but if you count yourself in those camps and want something different than the usual Blind Guardian/Hammerfall stuff, check it out.