Formed back in 2003 this one woman band from Greece is presenting their second album. I have not heard many one member projects lead by a woman so this makes it special. Lead by Angela-Kelly who does vocals, keyboards and a very good drum programming, the band is completed by Jan from Italy, who does all guitars and bass as well as some additional drum programming. The music style is defined to be Folk / Viking Metal, and that is mostly right. References to ENSLAVED and BATHORY from their more epic eras are valid, but I also feel a good influence from Power Metal bands like STRATOVARIUS and even some Anneke era THE GATHERING. While the very good vocals are done in a soft style, there’s some additional Black Metal vocals at the same time. Most of the time things are kept at mid-tempo. The vocals are actually the main instrument here with the somewhat orchestral approach of all other instruments in a second place. The guitars are not exactly very heavy, yet they are used in the right amount to keep it very atmospheric and some good solos are used. After a few listenings I think that the Black Metal vocals at times sound out of place. And yes, for me I would like to have a more powerful guitar sound, yet this is for elves rather than orcs. Also the drum sound, although programmed, is very good, well done and does not sound that synthetic. The overall sound is reminiscent to a fantasy movie soundtrack, so if you like music that has a strong metallic touch and like bands that are labeled as Viking or Folk Metal, this will surely be of your interest. www.facebook.com/hildrvalkyrieofficial, www.stygiancrypt.com