FINNTROLL
Vredesvävd
2020, Century Media
FINNTROLL occupy that part of the brain we all have - of a band we all know, and enjoy, and will always see live but for some reason stop short of considering ourselves fans even though all the requisite boxes are checked. I always say I enjoy them, and am moderately familiar with their works, but in all honesty haven’t paid a lot of attention since 2001. All of that is in spite of seeing them live multiple times and LOVING it every time. I don’t know if that makes me complex or lackadaisical. Maybe both?
Seven albums deep now into the game and FINNTROLL know their audience well, Vredesvävd starting its proceedings with a somewhat ambient introductory track to set the mood before bringing in the raucous, pounding and blasting with first proper track “Att döda med en sten” which is certainly welcome. The blastbeats and keys work wonders, lending a unique feel to the song. Production is loose but not sloppy - this song reminds me of seeing the band live and, believe me, FINNTROLL is best experienced live. Man, those blasts are well placed.
Blackened folk metal is such a niche market and FINNTROLL are clearly the best at it. “Ormfolk“ simply swings its riff, bolstered by the accordion and keys which, back in the day, seemed gimmicky. Give or take 20 years and maturing or at least differing tastes, and the incorporation of different instruments is exciting. The core is still drums, bass, and guitar and electricity of course, but the other ingredient here is fun. Fun, and prosthetic troll ears.
While on the topic of varied instrumentation, the album showcases at points the banjo and also the mouth harp, the latter of which I never expected to be hearing. It works, and it works well. I’ll leave it to the listener to pick them out (zing!) because part of the joy of music is finding new things with subsequent listens.
Plainly put, Vredesvävd is a blast from start to finish - another winning entry into the FINNTROLL cannon. And as I go back through the catalogue, I was wrong. I am a fan. And I will continue to be. Oh, and see them live.
3.0 Out Of 5.0
