"Galeon" was composed and recorded in 2006/2007 (It's previously unreleased MCD)
"Hellveto" was composed 1995/1996. Second session and remix 2000/2001. (It's second version of first demo).
Issued in a standard jewel case with transparent tray and 4-page booklet. Limited to 500 copies.
- Galeon MCD from 2007 (1-3), previously unreleased.
- Hellveto demo from 2001 (4-11).
Split two materials: MCD 2007 "Galeon" and Demo'96 "Hellveto"
This really has to be one of Hellveto's most spectacularly underrated releases. It's an unassuming little thing; a compilation of the project's first demo and an EP's worth of new material, nothing particularly unusual for this band. But on this CD comes what just might be Hellveto's best material ever made. Granted, one side rather severely overshadows the other but even the weaker manages to be great even by Hellveto's excruciatingly high standards. This release is absolutely mandatory for the Hellveto-obsessed among us, and really a classic release in the pantheon of metal as a whole.
This CD opens with three tracks forming the 'Galeon' EP. These are very strong songs which tend to be a mixture of a great deal of Hellveto's career, combining the general tone of the 'Crusade' EP with the musicality of 'Stos' and a bit of the intricacy and rhythmic emphasis of 'Visions From The Past' and 'Klatwa'. 'Visions From The Past' is likely the closest point, which can only be a good thing, signifying this, like that older EP, as one of Hellveto's more complex and intense works. Rhythmic interplay between the guitars, orchestral instruments, and drums is greatly emphasized here, and the orchestral material on this EP isn't quite as emphasized as it typically is for Hellveto, making for a somewhat punchier, more barbaric sound than usual, which might be good for those not as fond of Hellveto's more broad and abstract compositions.
In addition to being musically powerful, it has probably the best production that Hellveto's had up to this point in the project's career. Well-rounded and with a full body of guitars and drums, the orchestral instruments hang over the compositions in an elegant manner, making for a very satisfying listening experience. 'Galeon' is a decidedly modern Hellveto release, taking yet another step along the path established by 'In The Glory Of Heroes', divulging itself of some of its more outward folk elements and becoming a more pure strain of neoclassical extreme metal. While it's not Hellveto's best work, it's certainly great and more than worth your time to investigate.
But 'Galeon' is really a mere shadow compared to the entity that dominates this release: the self-titled first demo of Hellveto. This may very well be Hellveto's greatest musical achievement; almost nothing comes even close to touching the absolute majesty of Hellveto's earliest recorded work. It in no way trivializes the incredible span of Hellveto's career, but this may well be a case where the first is still the best. Much like the 'Autumnal Night' full-length, the self-titled demo is a fairly different beast from the majority of Hellveto's music, but is still packed with the artist's distinctive sound and manages to be an absolute triumph in the pantheon of heavy metal music.
One of the foremost elements immediately noticeable about this music in contrast with the majority of the band's output is the relatively restrained and minimal nature of the orchestral elements. They are certainly present, but pushed back in the mix and not nearly as large a part of the music's sound. In its place is a much greater and more immediate folk element, the precise nature of which I haven't heard in any music elsewhere. It's not the typical Slavic folk sound of 'Autumnal Night' or the more known Ukranian artists, but something distinctly Polish, solitary, and nature-entranced. The usage of clean and acoustic guitars is extensive, far in excess of most Hellveto releases, and certain sections of this could simply be called neofolk, without even a trace of metal to be found.
Far from the triumphant battlefield music that makes up most of Hellveto's catalog, this is extremely restrained and introspective in nature. Openly fragile and emotional melodies are frequently used, and the overall feeling of this music is much closer to taking a walk in a thick forest rather than burning down your enemy's home. Despite the relative lack of epic themes, however, the music is no less compelling; indeed, it's some of the most intensely captivating pieces I've ever heard from the band. The raw aggression of the project's roots in symphonic black metal, the intimate nature of the folk influences, and the complexity created by the neoclassical overtones all clash wonderfully here in a display of absolute art in the extreme metal scene.
This is a mandatory release for the inclusion of the demo alone, and 'Galeon' just sweetens the deal that much more. It shouldn't be even a question as to whether you should acquire this CD; if it's not at the top of your list right now, something's gone terribly wrong. Get this as soon as possible and see what a true underground gem can be.
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