The sixth chapter in the epic tale
of Troll-King Rivfader, the character who serves as the common conceptual thread
through the discography of Finnish metal unit Finntroll, has been told. And it’s
a good one. Among the most unique creatures in the fantasy land that is folk
metal, Finntroll continues the Rivfader saga with “Blodsvept.” Moving farther
away from the gimmicky elements that come along with being a troll-metal band,
Finntroll’s newest album sounds more developed and focused than its
predecessors.
While
“Blodsvept” is unmistakably
Finntroll with its traditional European folk backbone and polka flourishes, the
band has made it a point to write some of the catchiest and heaviest songs the
genre of folk metal has experienced thus far. The title track kicks the album
off with a metallic roar flavored with a symphonic hook and folksy interludes.
Much of “Blodsvept” retains the
energetic, blackened melodic death/happy thrash vibe of the opening tune, but
the eclectic array of non-metal elements play a major part in this record.
Big
band horns, hummpa breakdowns and speed metal banjos played with enough fury to
make Mumford slaughter his sons all see “Blodsvept”
stand out as
one of the most intense and interesting listening experiences metal fans will
find this year. A credit to their skills as songwriters, Finntroll are able to
blend this wide array of styles, moods and instrumentation together without
sounding forced or jumbled. The end
result is an album that’s not only wholly entertaining, it’s practically
addictive.
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