Finntroll Out With Nifelvind

Well for older folk metal fans (and many new ones as well) you may have heard of the band Finntroll. Their new album was released February 17, 2010 on Century Media records. The title translated means "Wind of Hell" or "Underworld", or something (thanks a lot wikipedia). Anywho, compared to many of their other albums, this one seems to have a bit more darkness, and depth. True, Jaktens Tid, was a masterpiece in itself, with the most wonderful, quick rhythms that we love to hear from folk metal bands ;) . This album seemed to have more... well more of a folk feeling than previous albums. Like the song Galgasang, seemed much like a song you would hear chanted and sung by an ancient group. Many of the other songs do have the "Aaahhhh!" that I've learned to love, but Solsagan, the most recognizable song (that's arguable, I know) has one at a very interesting point, where it makes it stand out. The instrumental, (the name of which has slipped my mind, and I am lazy as fuck) was incredible It really made me want to get up and dance, or something. I wanted to just shout "Yeaahh!!" the whole time. My favorite track, however was Under Bergets Rot. The clunky, upbeat, silly, yet spectacular rhythms in the song were delightful to hear, and it is definitely none other than a Finntroll song. There were videos released for Solsagan, and Under Bergets Rot, both being very different, and very interesting. Solsagan, I'm not sure what to say about it, other than: very impressive video, great difference in the feel, it is dark, eerie, and scary almost for a while until the chant parts, which it seems maybe even more eerie, considering they are seeming to drag this girl into the ground with hands, and bodies. Not quite as odd as the video for Under Bergets Rot though... where you see a man walk into a strange bar where Finntroll is playing (it is all animated, or cutout, I'm not sure) and this man is watching some strange events take place, whilst drinking everything that these creatures are giving him. Eventually he is given a "Troll surgery" and becomes a troll, and the ladies in the bar who rejected him before. (Rejected as in he tried to grab an octopus lady's ass, and got slapped.)

I loved the album overall. There are differing effects that songs give you, the vocals are all there, the rhythms all have the Finntroll sound, some of the songs have the speed of some previous albums, but it mostly seemed to be a deeper, more penetrating sound, focusing more on the feeling of the song as a while than certain rhythms and vocals. I have only recently become a Troll, so I apologize if the review was rather... vague. And short. Heh. But for any folk or black metal fans, I would recommend giving this album a try, or Finntroll a try! Happy metalling all!