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September 7, 2008 |
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01. Vindfärd/Människopesten
02. Eliytres
03. Fiskarens Fiende
04. Trollhammaren
05. Nattfödd
06. Ursvamp
07. Marknadsvisan
08. Det Iskalla Trollblodet
09. Grottans Barn
10. Routas Vaggvisa/Rök
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First off, an admission of bias - I really love this band! Wilska (vox), B. Dominator (drums), Skrymer (guitar), Tundra (bass), Trollhorn (keyboards), and Routa (guitars) get almost daily airplay here at my place. I've been championing these guys ever since discovering them two years ago with the purchase of both the self-titled debut and the now-classic sophomore release 'Jaktens Tid'. Ever since then I've been greedily lapping up anything and everything FINNTROLL, from the brilliant 2003 acoustic EP 'Visor Om Slutet' through to their most recent followup EP 'Trollhammaren' and now 'Nattfödd', their latest aural witches brew of 'Trollish' sights and sounds!
Often described as 'Hummpa' (a native Finnish Folk style), or 'Polka Metal', FINNTROLL's unique sound could best be described to the uninitiated as an ale-soaked blend of epic Power Metal chords steeped deeply in Scandinavian Folk tradition, with a dark underbelly of, well...again, 'Trollish' sentiment that speaks to the dark forests and nighted caverns of the northern psyche. And it really is pretty infectious stuff too. Dark to be sure, yet stirring, ever rousing and strangely upbeat in an 'everybody get drunk and polka!' kinda way! The sort of musical experience that makes you want to hoist a hearty mug of mead beneath the firelight and thump your fist on the tabletop in approval.
Some more curmudgeoned elements of the Metal community seem to have a hard time taking these guys seriously(???), but personally, I think that if one has any appreciation at all for GOOD MUSIC, then it would be hard to deny what an original, and enjoyable act FINNTROLL has become. They are some of the better Metal bands to come along in years.
'Nattfödd' is certainly no exception to the rest of the catalogue. In fact, it picks up pretty much where 'Jaktens Tid' left off. This is strangely both a good thing and a questionable thing at the same time. Anyone who has followed the band's career is well aware of the succession of recent tragedies they have had to endure; i.e. the departure of original vocalist Katla due to chronic throat problems, the sad death of guitarist Somnium...Frankly, it says alot about the character of the band that they have bothered to continue at all in spite of such difficulties. In response to this personal tumult there has been a lot of talk in the press and from the band themselves about how 'Nattfödd' was going to take them in an even heavier, darker, more openly Black Metal direction after the quite mellow, more experimental 'Visor..." album.
But honestly - with respect - I don't find this to be any more 'Heavy' than 'Jaktens Tid' was. Certainly not what I'd call 'Black Metal' either, although opener 'Vindfärd/Människopesten' does storm out of the woods at an aggressive BM velocity to be sure. No, for the most part this is simply more great, epic, catchy ale-hall FINNTROLL romps. So am I complaining? No, not per se. As stated, I love this stuff! Still, if the band's mission statement was indeed to go heavier and darker, I fear they somewhat missed their mark. If anything 'Jaktens Tid' contained more underlying venom and spite than anything on this release which actually has a lot of bounce and hook to it. So no, I'm certainly not griping here...I'm just not hearing much of the alleged, professed change and progression that has been claimed.
I will state for the record that come the next release, I think it would be in their best interests to work juuussst a tad harder at taking their brilliant core sound into different directions. It was that bravery and willingness to take risks that made the 'Visor...' album by comparison so memorable and enjoyable.
Regardless, 'Nattfödd' is definitely one of the more enjoyable releases of the year with not a bad track to be found. Personal highlights would have to include the rousing 'Trollhammaren', the jig-worthy stomps of the title track and 'Ursvamp', the fist-pumping, bar-brawling anthem 'Det Iskalla Trollblodet', and eery, moody closers 'Grottans Barn/Rök' which sees the Trollish ones bidding us all a grim farewell as the Sun again rises, the revelry ends and they return once more to their deep halls beneath the trees.
So to conclude; great band. Great album. Because I have to be picky and objective when writing these things I'm knocking off a half point for a certain element of creative backpeddling that is present, and another point for clocking out early from the party. At 36 minutes and change I need more! Please FINNTROLL...Give me at least 45 minutes next time! You guys are really too good to just waltz on into my head, say 'Hi', and then leave after only a couple'a' beers!
To all of you out there reading: Buy this now! THE WORLD NEEDS FINNTROLL!!!
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