Finntroll is the most unique metal band I have heard in the longest time. They mix death/black metal with a form of Finnish folk/polka music called “humppa”. This all started as a drunken experiment and now the band is yet another metal success story in Finland. Their previous release, 2001’s Jaktens Tid went all the way to number 20 on the Finnish charts, and it seemed that the road would be smooth for them in times ahead. However, tragedy struck when founder/guitarist Somnium was killed in a car accident and then original vocalist Katla had to leave because of throat problems. What did they do? Well they kept on going and found a new guitarist named Routa and hired Nightwish guest vocalist and crewmember Tapio Wilska to be their new vocalist. They then went into the studio and recorded a new album which continues in their unique metal style which they have affectionately dubbed “trollish hoedown metal”. That new album is 2004’s Nattfodd.

Be warned: If you are a fan of just straight black metal or death metal, you may want to steer clear of this album, because you may find it hokey or downright silly. But if you are a fan of the aforementioned genres and like a little variety, or if you are a metal fan who just loves an adventuresome, fun, kick-ass metal album, then please by all means…..READ ON!

The opening notes (of the intro song ’Vindfard”)  will make you feel like you are listening to one of those “new age” relaxation tapes and you might just start to drift to sleep. But then you are shaken awake by guitar feedback and a crushing riff, drums pounding and before you know it, Wilska’s scary death grunts! What I am describing is the opening full-length song “Manniskopesten”. While the beginning of the song sounds like your average well crafted black metal band,  then a change happens and the happy keyboards and polka style guitar riffs take over and you’ll probably do one of those spit takes! The unexpected change does not ruin the song though, it only enhances it.  You will either start head banging or start square dancing, depending on your mood! Song after song on the album features the same shift on a dime changes from death metal mayhem to polka happiness, making a strange but interesting and very enjoyable metal album from first note to last.

Song highlights on the album include the aforementioned “Manniskopesten”, the speed-polka metal fueled “Eliytres”, “Fiskarens Fiende”, which reminds me of a drinking song for trolls. First single “Trollhammaren” with it’s catchy melody and hilariously shouted TROLLHAMMAREN!! chorus is the best song on the album, but not to be overshadowed are the almost Gilligan’s Island sounding riffage and keyboards on “Det Iskalla Trollblodet” and the plodding, doom metal sounding “Grottans Barn”. All the songs are tightly structured and feature top notch musicianship from drummer B.Dominator, guitarists Routa and Skrymer, bassist Tundra and keyboardist Trollhorn. The keyboards shift from atmospheric backgrounds to happy polka melodies on a dime, the guitars are grinding yet melodic in a strange way, and the drums are just thunderous like…well….a TROLLHAMMAREN!!!

This is the most fun black metal album I have ever heard! I had no idea this form of music could make me so happy! It also gives me the urge to down a few beers and start dancing and drinking some more, and drink and drink and drink until I pass out. But the party doesn’t last forever, because the only hang-up I have with this otherwise amazing album is it’s length. At only 36:30, it is way too short and the party ends too soon. How do you rectify the situation? You hit the repeat button! Or go to an online store (like CDINZANE…cheap plug!) and order Jaktens Tid for I highly recommend that release as well!

So, break out the beer, light a campfire, and dance like you are a troll and sing along if you like! That is if you know Swedish, of course. All the lyrics are in Swedish! But it doesn’t matter! This album will still speak to you!

Reviewer:  Matt "Snowy Owl" Bankes

   (4 out of 5)
 

More Reviews