Customer Reviews

Best Of Corvus Corax

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having followed this band's European success for more than a decade, I am thrilled that we finally have access to the music in the United States via Noir Records.

The essence: Corvus Corax are an example of the 'other side' of Medieval Music. These musicians are not concerned with courtly or noble odes to romanticized and faux Chivalry. They are bawdy, loud, and raw. Their live antics and energy surpasses most heavy metal acts without the contrivances associated with that genre.

They make their own costumes, design their own instruments, and have played with such reknown orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic. They are not simply a "Faire" band but in fact are complex and professional musicians. Not the tired piping ballads and frame drum repetition of so many bands claiming an ancient lineage - Corvus Corax is also keenly aware of the Hellenistic and Middle Eastern influences which helped form not only European music, but also touched European culture.

This CD is a perfect way to get a broad sampling of their diverse style. You will also hear many tracks on this disc which are popular at the live shows of Corvus Corax.

Even if you are like me, and own most of their discography, I recommend this CD. It is helpful to play for folks who see my T-Shirt or hear me mention the band, and ask, "What do they sound like?"

They sound like the markets, woods and hills of a time long past. They are testimony to the complexity and importance of music, arts, and the live venue not only today but also in misty antiquity.

About the Band:

Corvus Corax, whos name means raven, is a German medieval band formed in the late 1980s that is best known for their reliance on traditional instruments and interestingly enough appearance! Most of their songs feature extensive bagpipe and drums. Considering themselves street minstrels of old, Corvus Corax are known to make secret unannounced appearances at European music festivals such as Germany's annual Wave-Gotik-Treffen, where they have always been a fan favorite.

About the Album:

This is a best of album, and as such it really is the best way to introduce people not only to Corvus Corax, but also the medieval genre of music. Though popular in gothic and industrial music scenes in which electronic music is usually a staple, this album focuses on traditional instruments and vox. Fans of folk and medieval (think Renaissance Faire) music or general fantasy atmospheres will love this album.

Recommended Tracks:

- Avanti

- Ballade de Mercy

- Douce Dame Joliet

- Mille Anni Passi Sunt

- Filii Neidhardi

One note on the Ballade de Mercy ... though the song is "work-safe" in the United States due to language barrier issues, the old French lyrics are not only silly, but a bit risqué (in an extremely good way, I assure you - I can't help but laugh and sing along).

I've bought this album twice from amazon! The first time for myself, and the second time for a friend of mine who tends to listen to 80s pop music and Spanish music. She loved this album, and normally she finds my taste in music to be too "dark". Corvus Corax are not dark, but just pure fun. I honestly think anybody who enjoys the "feel-good" that accompanies fast paced festival music will instantly fall in love with Corvus Corax.

For years they were a European secret, but within a year of performing in Pennsylvania (2005), more of their albums are starting to make their way to North America. Similarly, they are now being talked about more at clubs. This album will illustrate the growing interest in this bad. I honestly have a hard time not wanting to smile, stomp, and dance any time I hear these crazy minstrels.

Similar Artists:

- Estampie

- In Extremo

- Qntal

I live in Pennsylvania and I recently saw Corvus Corax play at the PA Ren. Fair. I was quickly in love with this bands music. I bought this cd at their show and it has quickly become one of my favorites. I love rare and uncommon music and this one sure pleased me. It amazes me how dedicated this band is and how each song sounds a bit differnt then the last. This is a great cd for anyone who likes music that is a bit differnt then everything else.

Finally this wonderful band is available in the US! I've been a fan for several years, and absolutely LOVE the rhythms and melodic adventures Corvus Corax has in store for their listeners. This CD has a few of their best offerings, but how they picked just these is beyond me. I haven't heard anything I didn't like. Add to the music the fact that they have researched the medieval instruments (all 50+ are handmade), and they have also designed their own adaptation of minstrels' costumes - and you have a group committed to being as authentic as possible -- without ever being boring or passe. Leave it to the Germans to show the world that the traditions and cultures of the distant past have much to offer the modern world. And the way these men play, the pounding rhythms and melodious bagpipes are perfectly at home at either a medieval faire, or on a modern concert stage.

While this band has been around for more than 10 years, I just discovered them this past weekend when we went to see them at the PA Renaissance Faire. Thanks to my daughter (who had heard their music before), we now have a new addition to our CD collection. I liked them so much that I went on Ebay and bought as many of their older CDs as I could find. We've already listened to this CD every day this week. They were amazing to watch and really love playing. I just wish they would come back to the US more often! Until then, this CD is well worth the buy.

I was forunate to see Corvus Corax appear at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair, earlier this year. I really enjoyed their performance. Sometimes live music is more enchanting than listening to a CD in your car. That is NOT the case with this CD. It is absolutely captivating. I love the medieval flavor of this music. The vocals are used as an instrument in and of themselves, too. The music of Corvus Corax is timeless! It will be just a wonderful, 10 years down the line. I highly recommend it.

A super CD! If your interested in medieval music, this is a perfect example. I can think of no other band that is so dedicated to bringing the best and most researched of such music to our ears.

I finally found a website in English that gives detailed information of this band. It can be found at: www.estuans-intrinsecus.com

Greetz to all :)

A perfect blend of medieval/ren faire hard/soft music. Ditto to the other reviews. Thank goodness I can listen through my i-pod otherwise this cd might be thrashed by now! On live the warriors!

Most people seem to think that medieval music was all Gregorian chants and Dark Ages gloom. Not so - we humans have always liked fast-moving music with a strong beat, and Corvus Corax is the hardest-rocking band in the whole walled village! It's definitely (mostly) medieval, but it'll get you up and dancing - at least if your style of dancing involves heavy boots (or maybe bare feet) and occasional rhythmic stomping.

The only drawback I could find to this album is that it's a 'Best of,' and so lacks a coherent feel or theme; the tracks are kind of all over the place. On the other hand, if you're not familiar with the band, this is the perfect introduction. Even if you think you hate bagpipes - in fact, *especially* if you think you hate bagpipes - you should give Corvus Corax a listen.

They bill themselfes as "the Rolling Stones of the Middle Ages", but they are more like Motley Crue. Definitely Celtic, but high-energy thrashing, not beautiful. You've gotta like it hard get into this. I own a couple of their albums and listen occasionaly. For something lighter, try "Faun".