1967/ 1976
A great demo is this. A pure masterpiece of Italian metal, played by a great band, sure.
Recorded at New Sin Audio Design (a masterpiece recording studios for metal in Italy) and produced by Luigi Stefanini, this demo is more indicated as debut Ep that a demo because sound quality and for song quality.
The start is with "To Oak Woods Bestowed", a simply Folk acoustic song. The second song is "White Willow", a sort of Speed/ Prog/ Power Metal with folk arrangements and great airplay. This song present various moments but, in general the style is not proper Folk Metal as Jethro Tull isn't proper Folk Prog. This is important for me. "Banquet Of Bards" is a operatic version of Prog Metal and for sure great is the presence of a good Folk style writing that helped this song. Not perfect is the sung by Damnagoras. "Oakenshield" is more Folk respect to the other song but the influence from Power Metal are present in great manner. "Under The Tree Of Us'dam" is very technical Power Metal song that close this demo with a Folk style writing and arrangements.
That this demo is a true Ep is the fact of the quality of recording, mix and production. But Luigi Stefanini and his New Sin Audio Design are a guarantee. If we then add a group is really good as done. Why Elvenking will not disappoint you.