ALBUM REVIEW: “Hypnos” by Dayazell

Today sees the release of “Hypnos” the new album from Dayazell. If you like ancient folk from artists such as Wardruna, Heilung, Eivør and Faun, then I think you’re inf or something of a treat. Indeed Dayazell have opened for Wardruna on stages such as the Olympia and La Cigale.

Dayazell are Yann Righetti (cistre, oud), Isao Bredel (nyckelharpa, voice), Yann Voegel (flutes, ney,chalumeau, voice) and Guilhem Puech (darbouka, tar, drum). (descriptions at the end of the article). Since their formation, Dayazell have brought ancient world repertoires to life with their unique breath—both celestial and earthly.

While most of the ancient folk we hear is based on Nordic, or Germanic / Celtic myths and legends, Dayazell bring us a the exciting and beautiful sounds of the Mediterranean and east, from Andalusian Spain to Persia.

On “Hypnos” Dayazell takes us on a dreamlike journey from Spain to Armenia, via Greece and Turkey. In this borderless sonic voyage through the cultures of the region, the eight tracks blend folk and world music and using traditional instruments such as the oud, nyckelharpa, ney, darbouka and tor, they weave a complex and trance-like musical spell. The album was recorded at Les Sphères Sonores in Liège.

The album opens with the impressive Hov Arek Sarer Jan, a track that will feel familiar for listeners of the likes of Warduna and Heilung. Simple drum beats and a gentle lute-like sound underpin a slow mournful vocal performance from Isao Bredel in the opening section before the track turns instrumental only. It has the feel of a ritual funeral rite, almost processional.

Check out the video forHov Arek Sarer Janbelow:

With Nikriz Peşrev another instrumental piece, these elements are added to with the use of flute and ney chalumeau giving the track a ‘breathy’ and almost other worldly air.

As Bahçalarda Kestane opens up, the beat has an almost modern feel to it, and is insanely catchy although still mellow and laid back. Then the vocal kick in, and add a delightful Eastern flavour. It’s stunningly beautiful and when the flute joins in, it becomes mellow and almost hypnotic. It’s mellow and relaxing and you can just close your eyes and let the music spirit you away to somewhere beautiful.

The album really does take you on a borderless journey, the guitar-like lute tracks have that western / Spanish feel to them, while others are more flute and drum beat based, and have a more mystical Eastern flavour to them. The mix and balance through the album in very well worked.

Perhaps my favourite track on the album is Ipne Pou Pernis Tapedhia. Dominated by drawn out slow strings and a deep repetitive drum beat over which Isao’s vocals drape like a velvet cloth. I sat, eyes closed, and left the sounds just wash over me. The addition of harmony vocals give it depth. It’s the kind of track you can just lose yourself in.

With O Rubor Sanguinis, the group delves even deeper into the spiritual dimension of their art, reinterpreting a sacred 12th-century chant composed by Hildegard von Bingen (abbess, poet, mystic, physician, and composer). Boldly adapted, this new track from “Hypnos” creates a raw trance-like feel right from the off, with some exquisite high pitched mournful vocals that reveal the timeless character of this prayer of blood and light. Backed by a tribal drum beat and sustained notes from a stringed instrument (Nyckelharpa maybe?) the track builds gradually, in both tempo and intensity. You can almost visualise dancers, such as Whirling Dervishes in a state of meditation and worship, spinning in a trance-like state, symbolizing a spiritual journey towards God. It’s simply magnificent.

Shot at night in the nave of the medieval chapel of Massals and lit solely by candlelight, the video magnifies the architectural lines of the space, creating an intimate and spellbinding atmosphere.

Check out the video forO Rubor Sanguinis below:

The album closes with Stella Splendens which starts with a harp. It builds and grows, and has a brighter feel to it, with occasional chimes giving it a celestial air.

The ancient folk music scene feels a well trodden path. I say that as no criticism, the like of Wardruna, Heilung, Eivør are artists I love and enjoy on a regular basis. With Dayazell bring to the table with “Hypnos” is something not often heard ….. that southern, Mediterranean and Eastern vibe, and it’s addictive. The balance between vocals and instrumentals is great. Its solemn at times, light and airy at others, mystical and mournful. Those trance-like Eastern elements are wonderful and a real draw. It’s what you’d describe as travelling music, and I mean in that in several ways. The music itself takes you on a sonic journey around the Mediterranean coast, it’s music for while you’re travelling, but perhaps most of all, it’s the kind of music to close your eyes to and drift off in your mind to a beautiful place, like relaxing in a floatation tank.

Dayazell are for me, a real find, and something I will return to on a regular basis. I would love to experience the music in a live environemtn, where I’m sure it bursts into life ! “Hypnos” is thoroughly enjoyable and well worth a mighty 9.5 from LiveWire music.

“Hypnos” from Dayazell is out today and can be bought from their Bandcamp page HERE.