The trolls have returned, and this time, after a 7 year hiatus, they have come back with an absolute beast of an offering. ‘Vredesvävd’ is ten tracks of pure unadulterated blackened extreme folk metal.
‘Vredesvävd’ opens with ‘Väktaren’, a beautiful orchestral instrumental which is stripped back and allowed to showcase the true art which lies behind the extreme façade of this troll movement. It is near on three minutes of splendour and grace which is cocooned in elegance and decadence and sets you up nicely for the beating you are about to endure when the trolls unleash their brand of Finnish warfare.
Once track two, ‘Att Döda Med En Sten’, is introduced to your ears, you are reminded as to the very reason we have all grown to love these blackened folk metal stalwarts. Vreth utilises the platform to display his vocal talents, spitting them out with venom, intensity and intent without any real respite. ‘Att Döda Med En Sten’, ‘Ormfolk’ and ‘Grenars Vägare’ are a trio of aggression and unapologetic power. The bass lines from Tundra, matched alongside the six string prowess of Skrymer and Routa only add to the passion which is flaunted through these three sibling tracks.
‘Vredesvävd’ is a combination of personality and evolution. MörkÖ adds flair and brutality to the score and Vreth seizes the spotlight on the majority of the facets with untamed screeches and guttural rumbles throughout.
This album is complex in its entirety. It’s comprehensive and dexterous to the nth degree with a harmonic balance being commissioned and accomplished from all the tracks, but ‘Stjärnors Mjöd’ is definitely worthy of a special mention. ‘Mask’ is another track which punctuates the album and generates a genuine awe inspiring reaction from the aural receivership. It is enchanting and mesmerising in equal measures and is crisply layered and textured beyond belief.
‘Myren’ has an almost rhythmic backbone and is delivered with energy and intricacy while ‘Stjärnors Mjöd’ is fierce and aggressive, rabid and maniacal with glimpses of beautiful tender hints of delicate piano which sits comfortably under the multiple layers of increasing brutality and hostility.
‘Ylaren’ is a personal highlight of the release. The track has a different personality to the tracks that lie before it. It is a fitting close to the proceedings and it sees the momentum slow up in order to generate a thought provoking victory to the troll entourage.
The blackened atmosphere is still acting as an undercurrent, a suggestion that the chemistry between the septet is natural and gargantuan and a true equilibrium to the power and intensity that flows from the very pores of this troll behemoth,.
The keys from Virta, and the orchestration from Trollhorn, create an elegant sullied mood, one which lifts a flame within the otherwise dark and bleak landscape. The ambiance is never claustrophobic despite the heaviness which ebbs and flows from the apertures of the album and this all combines to create a truly unforgettable impression on new and old troll appreciators alike.
This is a necessity, a must have for all established fans of Finntroll and their back catalogue. This is also highly recommended for anyone tentatively taking their first steps down this well-trodden path through the shire. An album built on the grounds of varying components, all of which elude the sweet smell of success. A truly fascinating and feel good album, another resounding and remarkable success from Finntroll
(9/10 Phil Pountney)
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