Finntroll
Nattfödd

THE REVIEW

For those who don't know them, Finntroll is a Finnish band that plays a very unique type of folk metal, miles away from bands like Skyclad, Battlelore, and similar, because they combine metal (extreme and always present) with a very particular type of local polka, namely humppa.

After 2 albums (plus an acoustic EP) that were acclaimed by both critics and the public, it's time for the third chapter: "Nattfödd". I should point out that the band's music absolutely does not aim to change the listener's life nor to sound like sinister, decadent, and distressing litanies: the Finnish quintet creates music suitable for taverns, country festivals, revelry, and alcoholic beverages. Tapio Wilska's growl is truly impressive (not to mention his stature...): at times graceless and vulgar, at times intense and almost regal.

The first track is "Vindfärd / Människopesten": it opens with a very atmospheric introduction and then explodes in all its fervor: a good track. "Eliytres" is an absolutely schizophrenic track devoted to excess, especially thanks to its keyboards, which are absolutely unpredictable and crazy. The interlude features fast and muscular guitars and a dynamic rhythm section that makes the track even more distinctive. A sense of balance is regained in the next track ("Fiskarens Fiende") where the music takes on almost epic tones. The excellent "Trollhammaren" follows, also chosen as the first single, a bright and entertaining track. The title track is slightly different from the others as it takes on unexpected melancholic, evocative (!!!!), and nocturnal undertones, especially towards the end. The best track on the CD. The next track is "Ursvamp", which follows the typical style of the second track. "Marknadsvisan" opens with sounds of nature, ecclesiastical choirs, blacksmiths at work, and hellish orcs before taking a malevolent turn, typical of black metal (one of the group's influences, as with all extreme music).
The eighth track is "Det Iskalla Trollblod", a piece with a sinister stride, far from the group's standard compositions, without losing their folk undertone. "Grottans Barn" is a decent, playful track, as is tradition. The CD closes with the sounds of nature in the instrumental "Rök".

In conclusion, "Nattfödd" is a good CD, suitable for those who want to spend pleasant moments listening to playful and quality music.