(Century Media Records)

Release Date: 2010
Origin: Finland

Finntroll are back with their latest studio album, their fifth full-length in the thirteen years of their existence. This Finnish band is one of the biggest names in the folk metal scene, with a very personal sound and that’s why they are in the ranks of Century Media. I was really amazed by their first two albums, especially “Jaktens Tid” and I found their happy humppa metal very entertaining and original. On the other hand, this “darker” sound they chose for their latest releases sounded indifferent to me. Of course they had many line-up changes and since none of the founding members remains in the band, we should expect these differences.

Luckily for me, “Nifelvind” is their best work for many years now. The band sounds folkish and “trollish” again and their music is more orchestral than ever. Their un-melodic “death” metal elements are totally vanished! Of course they still retain their brutal vocals and extreme metal elements, but everything is much more melodic. Folk instruments and tunes are dominant again, but not as much as in the first works. It’s like a marriage of “Jaktens Tid” and “Ur Jordens Djup” with a more soundtrack / symphonic approach. Their mood changes from dark epic, to happy “drunken” and each song has its own atmosphere. There are fast folk songs, epic aggressive ones and some sad slower tracks. Their production is of course flawless and their symphonic elements sound very majestic! I believe that these 3 years since their last album gave Finntroll the time for a nice come back. Their lyrics are in Swedish (written by Katla, former vocalist and founding member of the band, who belongs in a minority in Finland whose primary language is Swedish) and their subject is Scandinavian myths and folklore.

“Nifelvind” is definitely an album that most of their fans will embrace. The band has enriched its sound, but they still sound like Finntroll, with their distinctive and unique sound. The album is released in normal CD, LP and in a collector’s edition cardboard box with extras (bonus song, flag, etc…). For me, this album was a pleasant surprise and much better than what I expected. You only have to visit their myspace page to get an idea on your own: http://www.myspace.com/officialfinntroll

dimiarch