Silent Stream of Godless Elegy

SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY have been pioneering Folk Metal since their founding in 1995. They emerged from Hranice in Moravia, which makes up the eastern third of modern day Czech Republic, deep within the Slavonic heartlands. It is the Slavic feelings of ancient longing and melancholy that fuel the fires of passion on the band’s sixth album “Návaz”. “Návaz” is a traditional amulet made from hair, blackberry leaves, ash and other odd ingredients. Tradition permeates the music of the Moravians by their use of violin, cello and dulcimer; it also shows in the vocals and choral parts.

The band’s 1996 album debut “Iron” was an immediate success in their native Czech Republic and praised by critics and fans alike. Therefore expectations went up high for the follow up “Behind the Shadows” (1998). This album did not only satisfy the wishes of their adherents, but also gained SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY fame beyond the borders of their homeland and is considered a milestone in their career until this day. Yet the final breakthrough came with their third full-length “Themes” (2000), which won them their first Czech Grammy award in the hard’n’heavy category.

Despite their massive success SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY were not content to just rest on their laurels. After several changes in the line-up, which left guitarist Radek Hajda as the only remaining founding member, the Moravians were ready for new challenges. Their next album “Relic Dances” was recorded with the aid of leading Moravian folk musician Tomáš Kočko and the dulcimer ensemble Radošov. In addition to the energy and power of Metal and the darkness of Doom, SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY injected their sound with the sorrow and melancholy of traditional Moravian ballads. This fusion of hard music and the colours of Moravian folklore won the band their second Czech Grammy award now called “Anděl” in the year of release 2005. Due to popular demand, in 2006 the band released the EP “Osameli” with more material from the “Relic Dances” recording session.

Having thoroughly conquered their homeland, SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY are now ready to take on the world. With Folk Metal being at a peak of popularity throughout Europe, the Moravians are able to stake their claim as pioneers of this genre, as opposed to all the cheap followers of the trend. SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY take their traditional influences seriously, which is reflected by a host of professional guest-musicians with acoustic instruments joining for the recording of Návaz. The Moravians move far beyond simple drinking songs and could be compared with a fresh whirlwind blowing through the Folk Metal genre, like the unfortunately short lived but legendary GÅTE from Norway. At the same time, they share the catchiness of the German so called Medieval Metal and Rock scene or their Finnish Folklore counterparts, while maintaining complete originality and difference in sound deriving from their native traditions.

SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY are raised beyond the ordinary by Hanka Hajdová’s warm and clear female vocals that find their natural counterpoint in Pavel Hrnčíř’s strong male voice. Guitars, bass and drums add to or contrast with the acoustic instruments using the powerful chords of Metal. In order to achieve a perfect sound that maintains their power, but still reveals all complexities and details of their acoustic instruments, the Folk Metal minstrels entered GrapowStudios, where they recorded „Návaz” in union with Roland Grapow himself. Close you eyes, listen carefully and be taken away to a world of ancient pagan times full of magic, mystery, nymphs, undines and messages of the elders. Let the “Návaz” spin…

Line-up:

• Radek Hajda : Guitar
• Hanka Hajdová : Female vocals
• Pavel Hrnčíř : Male vocals
• Michal Sýkora : Cello
• Pavel Zouhar : Violin
• Dušan Fojtášek : Bass guitar
• Mirek Petřek : Guitar
• David Najbrt : Drums

This band is no longer active on Season of Mist.