With strong Folk and Medieval undertones, Potsdam-based Subway to Sally announce the release of their fifteenth studio album entitled Post Mortem via Napalm Records, following its predecessor entitled Himmelfahrt. Having been around for over 30 years, they mainly play sounds under the Medieval/Folk Metal soundscapes, but they also managed to incorporate Gothic Metal and Folk Rock elements on the later trajectory of their musical career. Regarding Post Mortem, it is an album with an unbreakable force of light, and its enthusiasm radiates, to an extent where its listeners could absorb the passion and medieval spirit.

📸: Heilemania / Pedro Stoehr

I’ve always been a huge Folk Metal enthusiast, having discovered bands like Finntroll, Turisas, Korpiklaani, and Ensiferum during my early teen years. However, throughout the years, I have usually only explored Folk Metal acts from Finland, where they prominently hail from. So I’ve never really had the chance to explore Folk Metal from other countries, including Germany, where Subway to Sally is from, but now that I did, I definitely didn’t regret it.

A band that addresses human emotions and life’s everchanging trajectories –including hopes, dreams, fears, and desires of mankind— and turning them into core themes of their music, what’s not to like? Incorporating topics regarding humanity, the intersection between history, politics, and art, as well as tensions between the past, the future, and the present, the discourses that Subway to Sally bring to life in their music make them not just some ordinary, stereotypical Folk Metal band. Not to mention, what’s even more interesting is that they also inserted mythological references from other cultures outside of their own; which can be seen on the track “Atlas” which is heavily based on the lore of Greek mythology.

The profound sonic passages presented on this album are ever-anthemic; consisting of both power metal riffs and poetic ballads. With utmost sincerity and creativity, they combine melodic elements with heavier resonances, making it an explosive blend. All of this becomes even better with the existence of socially critical discourses as lyrical themes, as well as conceptual lore building. Even though they have been around for quite some time, while the discovery of Subway to Sally is relatively new to me, it’s fair to say it’s one of my best discoveries this week.

Buy the album here:
https://napalmrecordsamerica.com/subwaytosally

8 / 10
RALKA SKJERSETH
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