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I don't exactly know what prompted me to review Llvme's Fogeira De Suenos. Black, Doom and Folk Metal, which all describe Llvme's music, are not my usual genres of choice. What Llvme has done is open my ears a bit more to the distinctive sounds of these metallic styles. Hailing from Spain, Llvme (a Leonese word meaning "fire." In fact, all the band's lyrics are in the Leonese language) have truly created a sound new to these ears, and a wonderful sound it is.

Starting with the snare drum and bagpipes of the title track, Fogeira De Suenos might make you wonder if you've accidentally put in a Skiltron or perhaps an Alestorm CD, as the song is up-tempo and upbeat, almost "happy." The feeling is short lived, however, as the next song "Llumeiru De Fueu," sets the tone for the rest of Fogeira De Suenos. Folk elements, like Spanish bagpipes, mix with harsh Black/Death vocals and creeping, crawling doom riffs that hang in the air like a thick fog, lifting to allow a piano, or perhaps a violin, to take center stage, and then retreat into the gloom. This pattern is employed, without becoming repetitive, throughout the album. Doom tempos pair with low, Death-like growls while the marginally faster passages find vocalist Lord Valius croaking with a Blackened rasp. There are even some clean vocals, chanting on "Vaqueirada" and near the end of "Orbayu De Llume," a song that also features some great bass riffs.

What I found most fascinating about Fogeira De Suenos is, even though I do not understand a word of the lyrics, I can feel the emotion of the album. While destruction and hopelessness seem clearly communicated, there is also a tangible feeling of triumph over all obstacles. It's weird, I know. But I really like it. Llvme are similar, yet very different from Agalloch, in that there is a lot going on, yet somehow it all works. Maybe there are other bands out there doing similar things, but I haven't run across any. I would highly recommend Fogeira De Suenos to those with an ear for something different.