Customer Reviews

Totem

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

About the Band:
Faun is a German mittealter (middle ages) rock band, very similar in style to other well known bands such as Qntal and Corvus Corax. Making their debut in 2002, the ensemble of five musicians describes themselves as a pagan folk band. Though like Qntal, some of their songs incorporate modern electronics, the majority of their compositions are written around the use of traditional music and medieval themes. In addition to medieval instruments including the hurdy-gurdy, didgeridoo, bagpipes, celtic harp, various flutes, and countless types of percussive instruments, sometimes the band makes use of more modern stringed instruments such as the cello.

About the Album:
Released in 2007, Totem is the band's fourth full length album. On my first listening to the album, I was thoroughly captivated by fast pace and uplifting spirit of the songs and Lisa's and Fiona's lush German vocals (don't worry, the liner notes are written in both German and English). As somebody who owns and highly recommends their previous album, Renaissance, Totem is a strong showing that Faun is continuing to grow. I honestly felt that Totem was better than its predecessor, but if you find you enjoy this album I would also recommend also purchasing Renaissance as well.

Though the credited lyrics to several of the tracks are given to famous poets including Homer and J.v. Eichendorff, the arrangements in Totem are really the product of the group's frontman, Oliver Sa Tyr. O.S.Tyr also provides the male vox.

What I liked most about this album was the diversity in tracks. All too often bands are compared to Dead Can Dance. While I think that is the best way to introduce new comers to the heavenly voices and world music genres, since Totem offers so many different sounds within the scope of one album, it might be better if I tried to compare individual tracks to other similar artists in the genres. First, the heavy use of electronics in contrast to strong female vocals in the second track, "2 Falken", really reminded me of "Vogelefluc" from Qntal's Qntal IV: Ozymandias. The O.S.Tyr's vocals and the mix of instruments used in next track, "Sieben", really reminded me of "Monsalvato" from Irfan's self-titled album. One of the biggest surprises for me was placing a connection between the fifth track, "Tinta", and Concrete Blonde's "Darkening of the Light" from Bloodletting. The connection between these two tracks is they are both a bit downbeat and have a similar melody. "KaRun" is truly a short, dance friendly medieval piece that will appeal to Estampie fans. My favorite track, "Gaia", prominently features both Lisa's and Fiona's voices at the same time in an arrangement as already suggested will appeal to fans of Loreena Mckennitt or fans of other German heavenly voices bands such as Love Is Colder Than Death or Das Zeichen.

Recommend Tracks:
- Gaia
- 2 Falken
- Tinta

I loved this one! Its odd and beautiful and powerful and delicate...very enjoyable. Very hard to categorize...if you like history, unusual instruments, medieval moments and spiritual surprises, fantasy and science fiction books and art, this one might just be for you!

This is an outstanding follow up album to their hit Renaissance. Amazing vocals and instramentals. It's a little less medieval than their earlier three albums, but it's still well worthwhile. While often billed as "dark" or "pagan" it's really enlightening and soothing folk music of the celtic variety (even though sung in German).

Highly recommended for all who enjoy good folk music; even more so if you enjoy a folksy trip back in time to the sound of pipes and strings.

I've never listened to Faun before purchasing this album. I was intrigued b/c it is compared to Qntal and Loreena Mckennitt and I like those two artists. Faun is a very serious, heavy, fast paced (for the most part) metal sounding celtic music with a good beat, rhythm, and vocals. Male and female vocals, traditional celtic sounding. These guys are professional and I recommend for anyone that likes that kind of music and is looking for good quality stuff. My favorite bands are Tool and Skinny Puppy so this is a little stretch for me, but I like good music :)

This band has a unique sound and they sing in multiple languages too. A very peaceful CD to listen to and also energetic too. The music speaks to the spiritual listener and to the folk music lover. If you like the band Omnia, then you should try Faun too.

into places that Loreena McKennitt, The Mediaeval Babes, DCD and others dare not visit
***** This also to modify the pointless 2 star rating of "not fast, not metal" irrelevant to the subject at hand

Totem just isn't as interesting as the only other Faun album I have "Renaissance". All the tracks are pleasant, but lack spark.

I had bought this album because one of the reviews had called it 'fast, Celtic, metal'. It does sound a bit Celtic, but is by no means 'fast'! I would have to file this one under 'easy listening'. I am not disapointed I bought this CD, it does fit in w/ Lorrena McKenitt CD's, which I like. All the songs on this CD are slow ! Just want the buyer to beware of this.