Now for something COMPLETELY different, fabulous neo-classical Folk "Metal" from Kazakhstan?

Hey, this is pretty cool stuff. I will say that it strays pretty far from metal, but it depends on how you define terms, and if they want to call themselves that, cool... but I think most people would say that's stretching it. I think cap'n futility is sort of making the same point here... ethno prog, ethno... "new age", with guitar? ... maybe something like that.

I'll get to your emails in a bit here too.

** Yeah actually, it's really not prog at all ("prog" is too broad to be a single genre anyway, it's more of a "musical ideology" which can be applied to several genres), it's "new age" (and I don't think that's an inherently bad term) in the sense that it mixes ethnic trappings with rock, and at some points has metal riffage (and on the one you linked with the metal riffage, I found the ethnic styings to be pretty superficial... because it was junjun + strings and exotic whatnot kind of draped on top).

None of that means it's bad, I enjoyed it... but I don't see *too many* possibilities within the style of metal riffage + exotica dressing.

I think the music and the videos are beautiful. I enjoy and respect every countries folk music, even though this is not pure folk in it's essence. Like you said it's an ethnic take with a modern sound. It's also nice to take a break from some Scandinavian dudes high pitched screeching. :P

Thanks for sharing!

By the way, someone mentioned Borat, it's funny cause in the movie the village that he's in looks more like a poor Romanian community. Plus, they use a popular gypsy song in the beginning, clearly not from Kazakhstan. Very inaccurate portrayal of Kazakhstani people. But I guess I can't take that movie even an ounce seriously.

Others have given you more lengthy opinions on the individual songs, so I'll address it as a whole: This is more my taste than is a lot of the screamy, bangy incoherent stuff. There's more pop mixed in with the metal here, and I can get a melody. I could get into this a lot more than I could Cannibal Corpse or Anal C*nt or what have you. I like the violins too; I listen to a good deal of Celtic folk-influenced stuff and can pick up similar (though not Celtic obviously) influences here, and thus appreciate that link to my genres, if you will. Definitely listenable. More like this and less growling/screaming/Cookie Monster chasing after a drum kit-type stuff, and I'd have listened to more metal.

Good afternoon KP :)

Listening as I type...

'Two Warriors' = well, I'm enjoying the music {violin is up there with piano for me - love it!}.

Those aren't wolves, btw, but huskies, probably Siberian Huskies ~ the pale blue eyes and fur colouring give it away {a wolf's eyes turn from blue to amber at about 3 months old, except in rare cases}.

'Aq Kelin' = It's like Bond {or Vanessa Mae} meets Page & Plant Unledded!

'Terisqaqpai' = Somedays, I think electric guitar is overrated ~ more violin! And more dombra!

'Akzhelken' = No, this one doesn't do it for me the way the other three do.

'Kokil' = Now, seeing a live performance can make a lot of difference. Pretty tune, but probably my least favourite of the four.

On the subject of 'meat', this was in today's Daily Telegraph:

"British Consumers Think Pigs Have Wings"

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/8380848/Br...

Nice, I liked these songs. That part of the world is really intriguing. Couple years back, I was briefly in Kyrgyzstan and even more briefly in Kazakhstan. They have a history/heritage that they could parlay into some awesome metal lyrics and themes.

If this were anyone but you, i would be laying down one Borat joke after the other.

MA- I liked it, but honestly it wasn't mind blowing or anything. I do agree that it is impressive considering the region.

Also surprised with the deer scene in that first video...guess that kind of stuff isn't regulated there.

Ok well, in that case, here's what I *really* wanted to answer with

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GoCvuu0dlQ&feature...

And yes, you're right. Actually I have a freezer full of venison (thanks to my sureshot husband) at home. More humane than packaged meat IMO.

Cool...high five! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j9QeUoPOi4&feature...

I'm floored at these songs. Amazing music with a real ethnic feel. The videos were very powerful as well. I don't have much to say really, other than that this was a fantastic find.

The songs have a sort of... low key but driving feel to them. I dunno how to explain it, but the beat is repetive and lends itself to focusing on other task with a fierce, persistant attention.

can't we just call it 'prog' ?

(listening)

loving it, kp!

but aren't songs 2 and 4 the same?

edit: ok, i'll settle for 'ethno-prog', will that cover it? with extra kazy and double cheese.

edit2: haha. i think it was a cunning plan to see who was actually listening

What the hell! Where are the gutturals and shreiks? Screw this. This is stupid. Who ever..

*clicks link*

Holy goat nipples batman , that was awesome. Really enjoyed it and it is very soothing , I am going to listen to this whilst washing the car today .... thanks bra.

Hey not bad, interesting stuff, thanks dewd!