Sangre de Muerdago Os Segredos da Raposa Vermella technically has little to do with metal, but so do many other releases on Pesanta Urfolk or Neuropa. Yet, dark neofolk is something metal fans often seem to embrace, and it is in that realm Sangre de Muerdago create their art.

I can only call Os Segredos da Raposa Vermella “art”, because this relatively short 4-track EP is carefully researched and thoroughly understood native Galician and Bretagne melodies with soul poured here into every melodic inflection and every rhythmic clap. Hard pressed to name all of the original instruments used on the EP (hurdy-gurdy providing main melodic moments?) every composition on Os Segredos da Raposa Vermella is carried by them, melodies crafted having to do all of the work in the absence of vocals, the EP is completely instrumental. Metallic cutting sound in Ursusson’s Polska (nyckelharpa?) slowly gives way to castanets and tambourines, and Agullas de Agarimo main flow is provided by a darker wind instrument, the mood on Os Segredos da Raposa Vermella roughly falls on either side of the following divide. Just like the first half of O Albor dos Dolmens describes ancient life full of hardship, the song subsequently shifts to a more jovial dancing territory, by the nights flames, where caballeros are bowing down to dames. And so it goes with Os Segredos da Raposa Vermella, from darker Agullas de Agarimo to swaying end of Ursusson’s Polska, to softer tender An Dro, where flute and classic guitars are main instruments.

What impresses the most with this EP is the careful affectionate attitude musicians demonstrate towards their heritage. As an EP Os Segredos da Raposa Vermella is perfect, you get a quick glimpse of the part of Europe Sangre de Muerdago is so thoughtfully representing. Yet, without vocals, committed only to their native melodies and instruments, I am a little nervous as to where the collective goes from here. Would the full length release be tedious, buried by its self-imposed restrictions? Only time will tell, but Os Segredos da Raposa Vermella was an easy delight to enjoy.