Latvian pagan metallers SKYFORGER kicks off with ”Curse of the Witch”, a track that slowly builds up to a mean mid-tempo song with punchy riffs and entertaining rhythms from the rhythm section. Promising start... but ‘Kurbads’ sadly turns into an average experience with few highlights. Nothing except for a few riffs and quite enjoyable folk metal passages sticks out. And I really miss a hammer chorus here and there too.

Well this CD never really ignites. Not even after numerous listens. Everything is on the exact same level. The production is on the other hand very good in my opinion. Every instrument is clearly audible and the sound is crystal clear yet powerful.

Genre fans could give this album a listen, but don’t expect the album of the year.