Artist:  Finntroll
Album:  Blodsvept
Genre:  Pagan/Folk Metal
Label:  Century Media
Release: April 2, 2013

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Since their first release, Midnattens Widunder, in 1999, their black metal style has been incorporated in each album, but not always at the same density. That terminology implies a weight that black metal carries, and that’s exactly what it does.  It adds a certain atmosphere that can shroud and lead through a song.  This was very evident on Finntroll’s last release, Nifelvind, but it carries over into Blodsvept in a different fashion.  It’s less dense, allowing more room for the folk/humppa melodies to provide more than just a fun sound to troll-hop around to when no one is looking.  Now that troll-hop adds a groove that feels almost as natural as it is otherworldly.  

The title track “Blodsvept,” was made  streamable online last month on Valentine’s Day, which I’m sure we all used to woo our dates.  It opens up the album with  ominous sounds and encroaching footsteps that end with a sudden, crunchy, delicious growl to break into the beginning of the song.  It’s a bit different than one would expect, yet it has a familiar sound, if that makes sense.  It’s a combination of that layered repetition of dark sounds found in the song “Födosagan” from their second album, Jaktens Tid and the aggressive riffage in “Mot Skuggornas Värld” from 2010′s Nifelvind.  

I find that Finntroll has always had a bit of a mischievous sound infused with their music, like these trolls are up to no good! “Mordminnen” feels like there is an influence from American Big Band/Swing music with its fun jazz line, though the traditional jazz instruments sound like they’ve received some trollish modifications.  ”Häxbrygd“  is just one fantastically evil song about witches brewing a devilish broth.  If played live, the crowd should break into tribal dancing moshes filled with mass hysteria as Vreth commands his menacing growls over all in sight.  

The rest of the album follows a similar suit, jazz-influenced with hints of punk rock, and of course the ever-so welcoming folk metal assault that this band so graciously provides.  ”Ett Folk Förbannat“ paints an atmosphere of insanity, full of dynamics, and the impending urge to dance lurking its head around every beat.  The death march of “När Jättar Marschera” merges Beast Dominator’s hard-hitting drum beats with Trollhorn’s catchy troll synths.  

Blodsvept closes with a peculiar track “Midvinterdraken” and by peculiar I don’t mean that the song does not belong, rather, that is is a bit off the beaten path for Finntroll.  It’s a longer track that is very dense in atmosphere, extremely dark, but very grand.  It has such a large sound that it is almost like a Finntroll Epic, if only it was longer.  

What does it take to enjoy this album? Not much.  While there is definitely room for scrutiny in the more distinct change of sound from previous efforts, it should be embraced and understood.  Even though their instrumentals have pickpocketed from other less relative genres, the same Finntroll spirit of debauchery, bloodshed, and mischief runs through the veins of Blodsvept.  You can be assured that the Rivfader lore, masterfully crafted into their music by the original vocalist Jan “Katla” Jämsen, is still present in this release.  Should you get this album? Yes you should.  Whether or not the album meets your expectations is up to you, but you cannot go wrong in owning a copy of Blodsvept.  It’s familiar, fun, and fresh all in one.  And how often are you able to let out your inner troll? So go now and get blood swept!

The post Music Review | Finntroll’s Bloody Bloody Blodsvept appeared first on Der Metal Krieger.

Band: Varg
Album: Guten Tag
Genre: Black/ Pagan Metal
Label: NoiseArt
Release: November 27, 2012 (USA)

First off, the self-titled track “Guten Tag” is just one word: Epic. Varg balances heaviness with melodies, developing a unique sound. This track does not sound have a strong Black Metal influence, as the band’s previous releases did, but it still has that super catchy, and quite fantastic heroic folk melody in the chorus that we’ve come to expect from Varg. It’s a bit like a Melodic Death song with a fun Thrash metal kick!

A new sound for the band? Quite possible, as the tracks don’t sound as dark as a song such as Asatru, but throughout the album, you can still hear the original roots of the band. The track “Angriff” is a prime example of this. With the more melodic sound, at times a nod to what they have started out as is made, giving it that extreme edge that this band tends to put out. Could you ask for a better track? I think not. Well maybe “Horizont” may give you that little extra helping of black metal that you may need. This track starts off aggressive, with a dark atmosphere. The vocals range from a deep roar, to a higher pitch scream, showing that Freki and Managarm are a brute force to be reckoned with. All in all, this is just one solid song that would be absurd to skip.

As far as the pros and cons go, this album has nothing but great things to be said about it. Aggressive, yet calm, melodic, yet hard-hitting. This release packs a punch, that will deliver one heavy blow. Yes, the album is mostly sung in German, but there is one track sung in English. “A Thousand Eyes” features vocals from what sounds like Jonne Järvelä of Korpiklaani due to what appears to be his trademarked “joik” vocal style. Although, having an album sung in mostly German is simply bad-ass. This is one of the traits that makes Varg original, as they use their native tongue in their works. Stating a con on this album would simply just be a lie, as this album is diverse and very unique. There are, however, a few tracks that are wholly lackluster, but they aren’t at all bad songs.

Dark and uplifting, Guten Tag is an album that just delivers and won’t quit! By combining their pagan message with their aggressive thrash and black metal riffage, Varg is one of the most unique pagan metal bands out there. This release is a perfect example of how Varg is paving a name in the folk metal community. Guten Tag is their best release to date, and is a personal favorite of mine now. Why not pick up some merch online, and preorder the album? Have some new tunes, and share with your friends! Oh and must I mention for all you North American fans out there, that Varg will be supporting Eluveitie with Wintersun this winter, for a tour! Always been a Varg fan, but live in America, like me? Well then here is your chance to come see these guys execute a great high level performance! Preorder Guten Tag here, and show your support for these German metallers!

Rating

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Get the album here:

Bonus Digipack CD+DVD
Amazon.de
EMP.de

Other Versions
Napalm Records

Tracklist:

1. Willkommen
2. Guten Tag
3. Frei Wei Der Wind
4. Was Nicht Darf
5. Blut und Feuer
6. Angriff
7. Horizont
8. A Thousand Eyes
9. Weider Mel Verloren
10. Gedanke und Erinnerung
11. Leben
12. Anti
13. Apokalypse

Members:

Freki- Vocals and Guitar
Managarm- Bass, Guitar, and Vocals
Hati- Guitar
Fenrier- Drums
Skalli- Guitar

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Note from the DMK Editor:

GUTEN TAG! Possibly my favorite track of the year.

The post Guten Tag! VARG Cometh – Review appeared first on Der Metal Krieger.

Band: Helsótt
Album: Fólkvangr
Genre: Pagan/Folk Metal
Label: Unsigned
Release Date: Summer 2012

The release of Fólkvangr, their debut EP,  proves them to be skilled in the intricate combination of crushing brutality and soulful melody.  Lead vocalist Eric Dow can guide you from raspy black metal vocals to bellowing death metal in a matter of minutes in their self-titled track. Picture Brian Werner of Vital Remains fronting the Finnish Battle Metal band,  Turisas.  ”Vandals Divide” is another great tune that joins dark metal melodies with the sweetly singing choirs reminiscent of European folk.  Having already opened for metal champions such as Destruction, Ex Deo, Suidakra, and Possessed, it is clear that many others see Helsótt’s potential.  Why not join the club?

 Rating:

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Check out their latest releases at: vesperia.bandcamp.com/ and be sure to like them on Facebook!

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