Eluveitie

Having just recently discovered Swiss folk/melodeath band Eluveitie by reviewing their most recent album "Evocation I - The Arcane Dominion", I was very interested in seeing their live show. The bill for Heathenfest offered five bands (Belphegor, Alestorm, Kivimetsan Druidi, and Vreid) for one low price with Eluveitie in the headlining slot. Eluveitie’s website stated that they hoped to be able to perform both an acoustic and metal set for the tour. With all of the interesting folk instruments used by the band, this would really be something to see.

The stage had no room to spare once all eight members emerged ready to play. They started things off fast and heavy with ‘Primordial Breath’ and kept the momentum going for several songs. The two female members, Meri and Anna, played the electric violin and the hurdy gurdy throughout the entire set while Pade played various flutes/whistles and electric bagpipes. Vocalist Chrigel played pipes and mandolin during some instrumental passages. Needless to say, this is a very talented group of musicians and it was enjoyable to watch them play so many instruments.

The audience was very pumped up by the songs – jumping, dancing, singing and moshing throughout the show. Unfortunately, Anna had a bad cold and since she sings most of the songs from the latest album "Evocation", they were not able to perform any of those acoustic songs. However, they did play a new tune called ‘Minion’ that will be on the forthcoming album.

When I asked for the setlist at the end of the show, I was given the white paper napkin that had the setlist written on it (see photo below)! Overall, a great show from a band that certainly deserves the headlining slot. There are still more dates on the tour; go check them out if you can.

Setlist:

Primordial Breath
Bloodstained Ground
Your Gaulish War
The Song of Life
Tarvos
Uis Elvetie
Inis Mona
Gray Sublime Archon
Minion
Andro
The Somber Lay
Tegernako