CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist : Finntroll
Album : Nifelvind (2010 Century Media)
Tracks : 11
Artist website : http://www.finntroll-music.com
REVIEW OVERVIEW
Nifelvind is the sixth from the Finnish folk metal heroes, Finntroll. Their lyrics are ironically in Swedish.
I had never listened to any of their albums in entirety until now. I must say that I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t have more of their albums. This stuff is pretty cool!
The music has an energy and urgency about it that really captures the listener. Even if you wouldn’t understand a single word grunted or sung, the music is plenty enjoyable to listen to just on its own merits. Overall, a very cool album worth checking out if you like your metal to be fast and melodic with lots of grunting.
HIGHLIGHTS :
Every track has something good. It was hard to pick a highlight.
PLAY BY PLAY REVIEW
Track 1 – Blodmarsch (Intro)
This short track sets the scene for the album. It’s a piece that is a cross between something you would hear cinematically as the cameras pan around Mordor.
Track 2 – Solsagan
It’s pretty cool that they sped up the theme from the intro into this song. This track has a great energy and is really one of those pieces that gets the adrenalin flowing. Great energy!
Track 3 – Den frusna munnen
Cool track.
Track 4 – Ett norrskensdåd
Crushing and folky. Interesting blend.
Track 5 – I trändens sång
Wow! Brutal and incredibly fast! Almost like what would happen if one would combine the best elements of Lamb of God, Opeth, and Stratovarius.
Track 6 – Tiden utan tid
Talk about heavy! This song should be one of those songs that should be included when defining heavy metal music.
Track 7 – Galgansång
There isn’t a trace of “metal” in this track. It’s a folk song. Actually a cool track to have in the middle of all the heaviness. Well thought out in terms of pacing out the album.
Track 8 – Mot skuggornas värld
Very cool track! It has some elements of the Finnish “Humppa” music in it and manages to stay heavy.
Track 9 – Under bergets rot
Cool track.
Track 10 – Fornfamnad
Interesting track. Some folky stuff and some symphonic stuff, and some power metal stuff.
Track 11 – Dråp
Great way to close a great album. Heavy and crushing.