Artist: Mithril Blade
Title: Breeglander’s Carol
Type: Album
Label: Digital / Cassette Sokol Keep
Well what better way to end Yule Mausoleum Monday (normal service resumes after 28th) than with Mithril Blade’s (aka Blutmage) Yule offering via the Santa of dungeon synth labels in 2025, Sokol Keep? So warm the mulled wine, poke the fire and let yer granny sleep a while and relax into ‘Breeglander’s Carol’. Now I am not steeped in the rich wine of Tolkien Lore so please, be gentle as I allow this album to take me where it wills.
‘Bombadil’ just sets the firelight a flickering. A lilting little tune with that weirdly festive sound of a crumhorn, maybe; that delightful reed sound which somehow conjures visions os warm fires, snow and wine and ale. It steps lightly around the bass notes and steps aside to give them their turn before returning like a goblin to the cheese platter. It is so friendly and warm in sound and intent that less than five minutes and the world has a warm glow about it.
‘Goldberry-Greensleeves’ is a simple and lovely rendition, a tune we all know but with a soft hand on the keys to give that smile of recognition and comfort. ‘The Old Forest’ adds a little darkness, just a flit of shadows, nothing to cause too much trepidation. But it is winter after all and the forests, the old forests have seen many and thus listening to their wisdom might be wise. The layering of melody is wonderful; the lightness always peeking through even after passages that summon more shadow. ‘Underhill’ leads us back towards a more, perhaps, whimsical moment. A calm little tune, with moments of flurry in the notes. Perhaps Mr Underhill himself preparing a festive meal, or at the least thinking on doing so wrapped in a wreath of smoke from just one more pipe, maybe, before starting. You see something different? I am glad. Whatever vision it manifests in your mind I hope it is as warm and sweet as mine.
‘Brandy Hall’ is deep and rich with its hallowed voices and wonderful waltz like melody that rises up into a mptuous, elegant dance. Swift notes amidst the graceful flow merely accentuate the calm, happy ball we arrive at. Or is it the library having its own little gathering of books? Who knows.
‘The Tower Of Amon Sul’ whispers of history, to be sure, but the tune seems unable to shake off its hope with the tune which is strangely comforting, looking outwards. Perhaps, at this time of the winter, even sparse good memories may come to light once more. Or maybe this scribes take on Tolkein is wayward; it has been said so before and no doubt will be again. ‘The Halls Of Arnor’ offers a sense of history and royalty; people well met, times of strife, but somehow the regal presence of the place is carried on through the tune.
The trip through the lands continues to ‘Cardolan’. It may be true that no land is untouched by war, but again for me the tune with its delightful, gentle bounce seems to seek out the good from its history albeit with just a bittersweet pinch of spice.
We close with ‘Breeglander’s Carol’. A melody with both a jaunty sway and a slight sense of reserve is no less warm and cosy. It is music for gentle ale, large warm hearths and just the knowing that the night may be cold outside but here, within, the warmth of friends and food, of ale and wine and a little smoke too is all that the spirit needs.
No I am far from a Tolkein scholar, so I am sure sure most of you will find even deeper moments in this delightful collection. But that is its strength and its charm; it is an album of warmth and fireside chat, of tales told and meals shared.
As you sit down with family or friends or even your animal companions it would be the perfect backgorund, that rich reminder that the best of times are enhanced by the company you keep.
God Jul, my friends. May it keep you and yours safe, warm and with a smile on your lips.
Gizmo
Mithril Blade – Breeglander’s Carol | Mithril Blade | SOKOL KEEP
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