artist Scythia

“I love the killer guitar work” – 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 – Confront Magazine

“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.” – MetalUnderground.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

“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.”  PlanetMosh.com 8.5/10

“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 (my wife actually sat through this predominantly metal based outing purely on her love for all things medieval).  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.” – ThePunkSite.com – 4/5

“Having already garnered a lot of attention on the local scene for their energetic live show and distinctive take on the folk metal genre, this up and coming 6-piece got the show started right… an entertaining performance and leaving a strong impression.” – ABORT Mag

“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.” – Hellbound.ca – Live Review

“Folk-Metal with fiery conviction” – The Argus (Thunder Bay) – Live Review

"...Of War" 2010 - Album Reviews

“Odin-approved one-two punch of “Fierce Riders of Scythia” and “The Black Death” that kicks off …Of War,” – Decibel Magazine – This Record Rules Feature

“A brilliant album” – Metal-Revolution.com

“What sets Scythia apart from the others is its specific attention to quality musicianship. The music is adventurous, creative, and epic.” – MetalUnderground.com

“I really enjoyed the first single, “Fierce Riders Of Scythia” and I found myself immediately drawn into their world and once there, did not want to leave. The fascinating blend of metal and Russian/Middle Eastern folk music is quite surprising and exceptionally good.” – PureGrainAudio

“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. ” – Metal-Rules.com

“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”
- ChartAttack.com

“Scythia debut – an epic folk metal tale…most definitely a band that you should have in your private music collection. ” – Toronto Metal Examiner

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.” – Canadian CD of the Week – The Argus

BIO:       

Canada’s favorite purveyors of folk/prog metal are back and this time they’re coming for your city! Hold on to your armor and brace yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, for the band’s latest sonic attack, “For the Bear.”

Following the success of their 2010 “…Of War” and 2011 “…Of Exile” albums, Scythia will be unleashing their 2012 scorcher, “For the Bear,” this fall. The short, but sweet seven-track EP departs from the orchestration and central concept of its predecessors, instead representing a leaner, faster, sharper folk metal machine.

“The songs are faster, more exciting, heavier and straight to the point,” says vocalist/guitarist Dave Khan. “There’s much less of the acoustic interludes and extensive progressive sections in favor of capturing the excitement of folk/power metal. The result is a more modern and conservative mix that showcases our ability to play rippin’ folk metal.

So what is Scythia?

Taking its name from Khan’s infatuation with a painting of Nordic/Russian warriors riding bears while brandishing swords, Scythia not only “gives the painting musical significance,” but it is also “the name of an ancient empire spanning from the Caucasus through Russia and into Eastern Scandinavia,” says Khan.