Thank Buddha, FAUN gets not caught into the net of clichés, this kind of music sometimes lies out, especially if you perform with German sung lyrics. No, FAUN present medieval appearing Folk, who can’t be compared with Subway To Sally or Blind Guardian, which is really a good thing!
Instrumentally Totem is perfectly elaborated, every nut, bolt and screw, with endless facets of medieval instruments and jazzed up modern electronics that it all sounds like an Acidfolk-cooperation of fiddling bards, Dead Can Dance and Pink Floyd.
Singing mostly goes down within the sound walls what thwarts the lyrical concept behind but centers the music. A sound engineer might take that as a disadvantage, I like it this way, because, when the singing gets more in the foreground it simultaneously gets closer to the Gothic-kitsch area, meaning, it gets easily pathetic due to the operatic minne-singing.
Most of all Totem works as a whole. There is – Lummy! – no single on this record... and the announced Arabian elements I didn’t find so far.
Musically as well as technically and regarding sound this album is great, the singing I can’t much do with but follower of this kind of music will be completely satisfied.
Totem is perfectly made for the next visit of a medieval market, nocturnal castle parties or nocturnal role game sessions.