“As usual, Scythia’s new pieces combine interesting folk tales with extremely cool and highly engaging folk metal…All the way through, from track one through seven, “For The Bear” is more up tempo than the band’s full-length albums. You are almost tempted to think that Scythia produced this 26-27 minute EP to make an work-out compilation for fantasy nerds, folk tale enthusiasts and gamers. “For The Bear” is the perfect energizer for a 5K run – and this Metal Music Examiner knows so from experience.”
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Toronto Metal Music Examiner
“Scythia transcend tradition and pure genre here. It’s so recognisable as to be in the comfort zone but the band manage to mix it up, and in doing so generate excitement, motion and enjoyment. The key musical and artistic point for me here in this fiery, theatrical and at times thoughtful folk metal fest is the boundless creativity. I therefore propose a toast for the bear! 8.5 / 10”
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AveNoctum.com
“you can definitely enjoy this one and raise your tankard high!”
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MetalKaoz.com
“If you’re already a huge fan of medieval folk metal like Subway to Sally or the more fantastical veins of power metal à la Blind Guardian, then you’re definitely going to like ...Of Exile. ”
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ScenePointBlank.com
"Of Exile ..." is an ambitious and technically very sophisticated album
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Metal.de
“A promising start to album number two from Canadian crew Scythia: we have subtle medieval orchestration, multl-layered vocals from guitarist Dave Khan and drummer Celine Derval, and lyrics that open up a box of fantasy, asking us to dive on in. From the magnificent artwork to the overall concept, Scythia are an exciting young band...The instrumentation on this is quite astounding...tracks "For The King" and "Spirit of The Quest" are bursting with great power metal riffs and hooks....Fans of folk metal whimsy will find much to enjoy here, as will power metallers who like their music drenched in fantasy narrative. Album number three should be a winner.
”
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Powerplay Magazine UK
“The final musical act of the night was none other than Hammer favourites – Scythia! Having just completed, and released, their first ever music video, these guys and gals were ready to take the stage by storm. They sounded absolutely amazing. The best we’ve seen them play yet. All 5 members had HUGE stage presence, and always looked like they were having the time of their lives. They were directly communicative with the audience, who seemed to know the folk-metal band’s music well and were even shouting out requests! Scythia played both new and old – including a medley of video game theme songs including the brand new Skyrim. The drums were grand AND epic, the bass low and bite-y, the guitar crisp and huge, the oboe sat nicely on top of the mix, and the keys filled everything out perfectly. Then, of course, was lead singer, Dave Khan’s roar that powered over all! If you’re into metal, or folk, or folk metal you should definitely check these guys out however you can! ”
“Scythia was absolutely great and may have swayed me to side with D&D metal. They were just so tight, and their Tolkien-approved tunes were of the highest quality. I went home that evening with visions of damsels in distress and their wild-eyed saviours playing across the battlefield of my mind. Even if I never pick up a sword or seven-sided die again, I can reflect on Nerdfest 2011 and remember that for one night, I was home.”
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Discorder (Vancouver) - Nerd Fest Concert Review
“Scythia have outdone themselves on this record. One listen to it with your headphones on and you’ll be humming the oboe parts to ‘For The King’ and quite possibly singing it over a pint of mead down at ‘Hobarth’s Inn’. …Of Exile is a fun, rollicking ride and I suggest you strap on your leather armour and your bastard sword put on this album and lose yourself in adventure.”
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HellBound.ca
“Armed with electric axes, the infamous “oboe of death,” an enchanted keyboard and a thunderous seven-piece kit, metal minstrels (and self-proclaimed nerds) Scythia set out to spread the tale of a wrongfully-exiled king and his quest to regain his throne. What results is a meticulously crafted and masterfully produced album that sounds like what would happen if Alan-a-Dale was raised on Iron Maiden.”
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Discorder (Vancouver)
“…Of Exile’ is the second album, the first being ‘…Of War’ and I can say I was surprised with what I heard. This album was amazing. Not normally one for concept albums that tell stories I was unsure about what to expect from this, but I can honestly say this was something else. From the start you do get drawn into their world and the first track ‘Prelude’ really builds you up for the start of an epic tale. This album really does make you feel part of the journey with them. It all concludes with ‘Hobarth’s Inn’ which is a real boozed up tune which in away reminded me of Alestorm...a brilliant album and worth giving a try and if you like your folk/progressive metal than these guys are for you.”
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Phoenix-Rising.biz
“Hans Christian Andersen would approve, James Hetfield might approve, and this metal music examiner most certainly approves of “...Of Exile,” Scythia's latest album release, which takes listeners on a metal music journey with an exiled king struggling to reclaim his land.[..]
“... Of Exile” is not just a solid metal album, but a dark and engaging folk tale. Now, I wont reveal if the king and his men survive the encounter with a deceiving sword from hell, an epic battle at the “Fortress” or heavy drinking at “Hobarth's Inn.” You will simply have to get a hold of this awesome folk metal piece yourself.”
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Toronto Metal Music Examiner
“Vancouver's finest folk metal band”
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Vandala Concepts
"This is definitely an album best listened to as a whole in the right order as you get so much more out of it that way than you would by listening to individual tracks...This is definitely a very good album – well crafted song lyrics tell an epic tale to tie the whole album together. It blends different musical styles – medieval, folk and metal together extremely well. I can certainly see the album appealing to prog fans as well as fans or folk metal." 8.5/10
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PlanetMosh.com
“if you’re looking for a cinematic dose of folk metal, Scythia has your back. Whether you’re a returning, armour clad mega-fan or fresh faced newcomer, …Of Exile is surprisingly accessible and easy to get into. Even metal purists should get some good mileage out of the final few songs and their solo-heavy narrative climax. With …Of Exile, Scythia solidifies that they’re a forced to be reckoned with. Bring on the third chapter. 4/5”
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ThePunkSite.com
"If you are looking for something a bit different, you might want to give Scythia a listen. Blending elements of folk and progressive metal, Scythia’s latest release tells an epic tale of warriors, kings, cursed swords and great battles, and tells it well." - HardRockHaven 8/10
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HardRockHaven
“''Fallen King'' does kick a fair amount of ass riffage-wise. It's an intoxicating, skillful, passionate, and sincerely grand tune that feels pretty Nordic and Viking-esque....This is one interesting piece of work”
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The Daily Stab Blog
“SCYTHIA were a pleasant surprise: not only do they offer that kind of folk Metal that is not over-played but I was pleased to be mistaken when I said to myself “Unsigned folk Metal band? Crap...”. Thumbs up guys, keep up the good work! 8/10”
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MetalKaoz.com
“Scythia has successfully created what truly is 'movie score metal' with a style that is a confluence of Russia’s Beer Bear, Elvenking, and early Uriah Heep."”
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MetalUnderrgound.com
“I love the killer guitar work ”
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Bravewords.com
"Scythia craft an epic storytelling album....The classic sound and epic subject matter make this one wholly different from any other Metal album you’re likely to listen to this year." 9/10
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Confront Magazine
“Check out Scythia. You will not be disappointed.”
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Battlehelm.com
“...Of Exile is an album that needs to be listened to as a whole, and its worth the journey. Fans of folk, metal, medieval warriors, D & D, and beer should all listen and take heed!”
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Vandala Concepts Mag
“Scythia was by-far the best band of the night. They are the conglomeration of folk-metal at its finest. The band consisted of a strong guitar, operatic vocals, steady bass, solid drums, energetic keys (which varied in sound from medieval minstrals to a choir) and an angelic oboe. Scythia took us on a journey through history, and tied all their songs together with a story about 5 people discovering new lands. Scythia was our favorite band of the night. In a show filled with thrash and power metal, their sound stuck out like a sore thumb – and we welcomed the event’s organizers for varying up the sound with bands like Scythia. Not only did their performance blow us away, it was definitely good promotion for them because of how starkly they stood out from the night’s lineup.”
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Overmined.ca (Live Review) - May 21, 2011
“Next, playful folk metal act Scythia rushed the stage to deliver their brand of progressive metal. Comprised of Dave Khan (guitar/vocals), Terry Savage (bass), Scott F. Thompson (keyboards), Morgan Zentner (oboe) and Celine Derval (drums/vocals), the members of Scythia are known rabble rousers intent on providing an entertaining show. That they did. Performing crowd favorites such as Fierce Riders of Scythia and Sailor’s Accolade, this five-piece provided some much appreciated light-heartedness and humour-infused, good ‘ol drinking tunes.”
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Abort Mag (Live Review) - May 21, 2011
“Wonderful!!! Now that we've taken this off our chests, ...Of War might be one of the best debuts we've ever heard. When is the last time you actually found yourself listening to an album in the middle of the night while holding a flashlight to read the lyrics and trying not to headbang too much...Scythia rules on so many levels. Although in some places classified loosely as "folk metal," these Canadians are so much more than another trollband. This is expert music, done in the best ‘70s prog-rock manner, with tasteful Celtic influences, some power metal, some whatever-you-have-metal -- it's all there, mostly all at once, and almost never too much. 9/10”
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Maelstrom.nu
“SCYTHIA will go huge, be in festivals, and quickly become one of your favorite Folk Metal bands.”
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MetalEater.com
“The music is epic and there are many great riffs.
The band is not afraid to experiment, that is for sure. The track lengths vary from 1:32 to over seven minutes. “Dies Irae Pt. 1” is a real standout track beginning with an epic intro solo over some ominous tones before getting into an interesting technical Tool-esque riff. From there it gets into some wild violin parts that just plain rule.”
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Intercamp - Edmonton
“The breakout folk metal album of the year ...“...Of War” is a folk metal album any current fan of the genre will surely enjoy. More than that, Scythia’s licks are tasty enough to draw in those open to checking out folk metal without being bombarded with its cliched imagery. The combination of folk, symphonic, progressive, and classical elements make for a fluid and distinct sound that will make Scythia a force on the folk metal scene.”
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Cashbox Canada Magazine - The Worthy Dozen of 2010
“Scythia - …Of War (Self Released)
Folk metal from Canada. Don’t laugh though this is an incredibly catchy piece of art. Dave Kahn knows how to tell a story and he’ll make you sing and dance along while he does it. Gorgeous and powerful. ”
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CILU 102.7fm - Thunder Bay - Loud Director - 2010 Year End Picks List
“Scythia are one of the few folk metal bands whose music can’t be pictured being performed by anyone other than Nordic warriors...Such a lovely blend of heavy and melodic should draw fans of both metal and folk music.”
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Stylus Magazine (Winnipeg)
“Scythia may be the future of Canadian folk-metal. ”
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X-plosiveMetal.com
“folk metal through and through...There is no doubting the musicianship of the band, with melodies shooting out like arrows from a skilled, pointed eared archer... Take off your armour; tie up your steed curl up with the album like it's a good, familiar fantasy book in front of the fire. Then make love, to ...Of War”
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Absolute Underground Magazine
“These folks can really shred their instruments...A creamy blend of heavy and melodic puts Scythia on par with contemporaries like Eluveitie and Glittertind...Of War offers plenty of virtue”
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ChartAttack.com
“I highly recommend catching them...Scythia’s fun and catchy folk metal, it’s a fantastic show that’s sure to put your fist in the air and a grin on your face.”
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Hellbound.ca - Live Review
“This is a solid debut for the band… They have managed to put together nine solid tracks, building a story worthy of any who would choose to listen and reminding listeners of the type of meticulously crafted tale one might find in any of legendary artists Blind Guardians songs. ”
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The Chronicle - Durham College - Ajax, ON
“If Zelda formed a metal band, it would probably look something like Scythia. Filling the stage with their hair and anger, the group projects an impressive stage presence: hirsute frontman decked out in animal pelts and leather, flanked by Hobbit-esque bandmates and an oboe player in a costume worthy of Xena the Warrior Princess...
with an energetic setlist that featured most of the songs from …of War. Highlights included "The Black Death" and their full-throttled, fist pumping anthem "Fierce Riders of Scythia". We soon found ourselves merrily immersed in their mythical world.”
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The Strand - Toronto - Live Review
“The music on “...Of War” is uplifting and inspiring: songs primed to make folks want to go in to battle,...a damn fine piece of art.”
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Canadian CD of the Week - The Argus (Thunder Bay)
“Tracks like "The Black Death" and "Warrior's Anthem" serve as vast soundscapes versus standard metal tunes, that firmly place Scythia as a band of gypsy minstrels in this renaissance period of swashbuckling tales of swordplay. ”
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Metal-Rules.com
"What sets Scythia apart from the others is its specific attention to quality musicianship. The music is adventurous, creative, and epic." 3.5/5
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MetalUnderground.com
“Folk-Metal with fiery conviction”
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The Argus (Thunder Bay) - Live Review
:
As promised, here's an exclusive SNEAK peek at the new Scythia... (keep in mind it's not the final version, just... http://t.co/HLFX6n2xu2
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