Album Notes

Have you ever wondered what the Lord of the Rings soundtrack would sound like if it were written by a metal band? And even if you haven’t, you’re wondering now, aren’t you? Well, “Pagan Evolution” is your answer!

Go ahead, use your imagination. That’s what Archaic Revival did. The renowned female fronted Detroit metal band took those images and came up with something to be experienced.

Imagine yourself riding through the land of Rohan, marching towards the fields of Minas Tirith, or facing a horde of goblins in front of the Black Gate. Now take these visions and put them into heavy metal music.

You may be tempted to go crank up your Marshall and start playing along to the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. But, come on, there’s no reason to attempt to “rebuild the wheel.” Archaic Revival’s debut CD, “Pagan Evolution,” is all you need. A remarkable collection of songs that will make you believe you’ve been transported to Middle Earth.

An odd concept, isn’t it? Really it’s quite simple. Just take the best parts of metal, mix them with the best parts of classical, and you end up with “Pagan Evolution.”

Archaic Revival uses the thick guitars and heavy drums you’d expect find in heavy metal and combines them with a soothing string orchestra and angelic choir then tops it off with a powerful soprano vocalist. A very strange combination it may seem, but the music speaks for itself.

“Pagan Evolution” is not the typical metal you’d expect to hear. From the mellow guitar and string quartet in Autumn Winds to the head banging power metal riffs of Vendetta to the epic journey of Unjust Prophecy, the album explores all emotions. It will send you flying through a magical voyage, making use of all your senses. But beware, “Pagan Evolution” may change the way you look at metal.

Archaic Revival hails from Detroit, MI, USA. The idea for the group was developed by Derek Cvengros in 2005. His main objective was to create a project with its own sound that did not blend in with the typical mainstream bands of America. The members of Archaic Revival are all very experienced musicians, although in different styles, which makes their sound its own.