Finntroll
Midnattens Widunder

THE REVIEW

Perhaps the most "unique" metal band in the world. I don't think there are six other people as crazy as to propose and invent this kind of music: an humppa (a Finnish variety of polka) folk viking black metal that is simply unparalleled.

To better explain this definition, one could say that they have some points in common with Ska (and with polka), especially in the rhythmic base, but it's all coated with a healthy black viking metal (thus epic) and many purely folk passages, with flutes, a kind of Sicilian jaw harp that seems to be one of the typical Finnish instruments, many choruses, and a general village festivity atmosphere.
Behind all this joviality, however, hides a true spirit of pure pagans, and despite the lyrics being written in Swedish while they are Finnish (I didn't quite get this, note), underneath each there is a little summary in English of the story around which this concept album revolves: an ideal battle fought between goblins and trolls against the tribe of Christ, featuring demonic wolves, crucifixions of Christians, and whatnot.

However, it seems that this too playful attitude of theirs has been punished, as not long ago, guitarist Somnium (or Teemu Raimoranta) of Finntroll, as well as a member of Impaled Nazarene, died falling from a bridge, while the singer had to stop due to a tumor on his vocal cords.
Before these events, Finntroll did record another album (Jaktens Tid, decidedly more mature than this one) and after the guitarist's passing and the singer's defection, they embarked on an "acoustic-experimental" path.

An album that is fast, gritty, and epic, at the end of which (it only lasts 30 minutes) you will feel truly satisfied and will have no hesitation in listening to it many more times. However, a pre-purchase listen is recommended as some might find it hard to digest. Simply unique.