Goblin Hovel are no strangers to pushing the boundaries of what metal can be. With over 20 releases under their belt, their latest offering, “Gobischkevrot,” is a whirlwind of thrash, classic, and death metal fused with folk elements and narrated spoken-word passages. This ambitious concept album takes listeners on a fantastical journey through the struggles of a beleaguered goblin clan seeking mystical power in a world dominated by humans. While not everyone might enjoy spoken-word interludes, they undeniably serve the story here, adding depth and atmosphere to an otherwise relentless musical experience.
The album opens with “Ambush,” an instrumental piece that sets the tone with tension-filled riffs and foreboding atmosphere. The guitars of Rawbeard immediately make their presence known, offering a gritty and immersive sound. From the start, it’s clear that the production quality here is excellent. Each instrument sits perfectly in the mix, and the transitions between spoken word and metal are handled with finesse.
One of the standout qualities of “Gobischkevrot” is its ability to balance chaotic aggression with intricate storytelling. The title track offers blistering thrash riffs and ferocious growls from Damn Barbarian, but these are interspersed with narration that builds the world and deepens the listener’s engagement. The growling and clean vocals are delivered with precision, and while the spoken-word passages aren’t to everyone’s taste, their separation from the main tracks is a clever move because it allows the narrative to unfold without overshadowing the musical content.
“Borokol pt. II” is a prime example of Goblin Hovel’s ability to weave different vocal styles together. The interplay between guttural growls, throat singing by The Nameless Goblin, and melodic elements creates a layered, textured soundscape. Meanwhile, the banjo and mandolin contributions from Petuh add a unique folk twist that feels both bizarre and brilliant. It’s a perfect blend of aggression and atmosphere that showcases the band’s compositional prowess.
“Don’t Eat The Mushrooms” injects a playful, almost comedic tone, reflecting the band’s willingness to embrace humor alongside their more sinister elements. This levity provides a nice counterbalance to the album’s darker moments, keeping the listener on their toes. It’s a wild ride, and even if fantasy storytelling isn’t your thing, it’s hard not to appreciate the sheer creativity and effort behind each track.
The final stretch of the album, including “Moon’s Fist” and “The Night Man Learned to Fear the Mountain,” ramps up the intensity. Here, Goblin Hovel fully unleash their metal fury, with relentless drumming from Son G and searing guitar work that pays homage to classic thrash and death metal influences. The closer, “Crineiga,” ties everything together, offering a haunting conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.
The production, handled by Tom Gerwitz and Rawbeard, is commendable. Despite the complexity of blending spoken word, folk instrumentation, and multiple vocal styles, the mix remains clear and balanced throughout. Each instrument has room to breathe, and the transitions between narration and music feel seamless. The cover art by Alexios Ciancio also deserves praise, capturing the essence of the album’s fantastical narrative.
While I’m typically not a fan of spoken-word tracks, “Gobischkevrot” makes a strong case for their inclusion. They add narrative depth without detracting from the music, and their separation into distinct tracks means they’re easy to skip if they’re not your cup of tea. Even with this personal preference, I find myself unable to score this album any lower than an 8/10. The songwriting, performance, and production are simply too good to fault.
In short, “Gobischkevrot” is a unique and ambitious album that delivers a fantasy experience like no other. It might not be for everyone, but for those willing to embrace its narrative quirks, it offers a thrilling and immersive ride through the realms of metal and goblin lore. Goblin Hovel have proven once again that they are masters of their craft, blending metal and storytelling with impeccable skill.
Rating: 8/10
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Label: Goblin Hovel
Writer: Andy Baqone
Tracklist:
- Ambush
- The Cave
- Gobischkevrot
- The Plan
- Voyage of the Grogswiller
- The Stowaway
- Borokol pt. II
- Don’t Eat The Mushrooms
- Dialogue with a Mountain
- Moon’s Fist
- The Night Man Learned to Fear the Mountain
- Crineiga
