Utmarken - Utmarken (CD)

In the Swedish hinterlands a talented and „not so young anymore“ gang of little rascals sets out to play Folk Metal with so much heart blood and gusto, it´s a bright joy ! UTMARKEN implement finest Folk Metal with heart, intelligence and humor. The band´s modest beginnings lay in the year 2012 when band founder Mathias Gyllengahm step by step returned to his roots in the countryside of Northern Sweden. He noticed that when spending time in nature, away from the city, he was musically inspired by the "new" environment. He found a true musical companion in Benny Hägglund, drummer of VINTERSORG. Currently the band has morphed into a sextet and prepares for the first live shows. The word 'Utmarken' means the lands in the outskirts, the periphery. Land far away from the city. Places where few people go. A place marked by the hardships throughout history, in both a constant struggle with, but also in harmony with, a harsh and beautiful nature. Musically, UTMARKEN combines the above elements lyrically over a wide carpet of rock/metal with strong elements of Scandinavian folk music. Raw power, strong melodies, powerful refrains. Melancholy and darkness, but also the epic and grand. Hopefully with a good portion of self distance, and the tongue safely stored in cheek. #### PRESS QUOTES #### Legacy: „UTMARKEN open hearts and souls of those who love dreaming of enchanted forests, deep underwoods, exciting cave hikes and mythical creatures. You might fall in love here!“ (Jonathan Jancsary) 12/15 points #### Powermetal.de: „UTMARKEN manage to create their own niche in folk metal straightaway. Only a few bands play this music in such a diverse, sophisticated, emotional and at the same time witty manner.“ (Raphael Päbst) #### nordische-musik.de: „UTMARKEN score with a dozen catchy Folk Metal compositions, combined with strong vocals – Swedish vocals !" (Natte) #### Bleeding4metal.de: „With UTMARKEN finally some fresh blood enters the saturated scene. The Swedes are totally committed to their music, presenting it with lots of chops and musical enthusiasm. This is how Folk Metal was meant to be!“ (Kruemel) #### Hammerheart: „The first surprise anno 2016: UTMARKEN offer finest Folk Metal with lots of heart, intelligence and humor.“ (Thor) 8,5/10 points #### Totentanz: „Utmarken are proficient musicians, know their métier. They are emotional and funny, but also so epic and melancholic. You are offered a well-made roller-coaster ride.“ (Arno) #### Time-for-metal.eu: „Campfire romanticism kisses wild battle rage and caters for acoustic variety.“ (René Wolters) #### FolkMetal.nl: „…Utmarken are leading Sweden again in the charge for one of the best releases of the year and certainly will be a contender for debut of the year without a doubt… great album.“ (Jeff) 9/10 points.