Harpyie - Voodoo (Deluxe Edition) (2024)

Fusing medieval themes and imagery with a rousing blend of symphonic and folk-metal, German outfit Harpyie built a sturdy European following in the 2010s through touring, key festival appearances, and well-received albums like 2015's Freakshow and 2019's Aurora.

Formed in 2011 in the East Westphalian city of Bad Oeynhausen, Harpyie took its name from the Greek mythological character and based their sound around a mixture of folk instrumentation (bagpipes, flute, violin) and rock bombast (electric guitar, bass, drums). The founding lineup of Aello (vocals), Mechthild (violin, vocals), Podargo (guitar), Gyronimus Basstard (bass), Ocypus (drums), and Michael von Ullrichstein (bagpipes) delivered Harpyie's 2012 debut album, Blindflug, on the regional Trollzorn label before signing with Metalville the following year. Prior to their next release, Ocypus was replaced on drums by Kelaino, and Ullrichstein handed bagpipe duties over to Garik Sturmbringer, both of whom made their debuts on 2013's Willkommen Im Licht. That same year, they made their first appearance at the legendary Wacken Open Air Festival. Along with a third drummer, Kayran, 2015's Freakshow brought a darker, more metalcore-influenced approach to Harpyie's sound as well as some critical acclaim. This trend continued on 2017's Anima, which also saw the band slim down to a quintet with the departure of Sturmbringer. Their folk element remained intact, however, on 2019's Aurora, which also included hurdy-gurdy on some songs.