Grimner are undeniably Folk Metal, however just stating this is a little vague as Folk Metal in itself is a much more widespread genre than it used to be. Most Folk Metal bands have their allegiances in Metal first, but the original influencing sub-genre is quickly deemed irrelevant as the introduction of folk instruments and/or attitudes means it is instantly just dubbed as Folk Metal. For instance, take the non-stop aggression of Vanir compared to the traditional subtlety of Fejd – they really sound nothing like each other, but I’ve seen both labelled as simply Folk Metal. Therefore, narrowing it down a little, Grimner (as with Eluveitie) have always tackled their folk tendencies from a Melodic Death Metal standpoint, and gradually grown their sound outwards from there to become the Folk Metal maestros that they are now.
Grimner’s breakthrough moment for me was when they really pushed the traditional instruments and folk elements forward on their fantastic “Frost Mot Eld” album back in 2016. Then, as if they startled themselves a little, they back-tracked a touch with the slightly darker follow-up “Vanadrottning” (even though ironically their clean vocals took a further step forward), but with this release, “Urfader” they seem to have had the time to strike the balance that they feel comfortable with and that suits them the most. They maintain their previous trademark darker aggression on songs such as the galloping ‘Ulvhednars Natt’, but also manage to recapture that wonderful, upbeat side to them on tracks like ‘Västerled’, with its excellent flute/whistle main theme. The harsh and clean vocals are split quite equally throughout the album, and, as is always the case with Grimner, it isn’t about doing a harsh vocal verse with a clean sung chorus – they really do mix it up, as they do with the traditional instruments – there’s flute, whistles, pipes, violin and all sorts on here, and all are showcased in their deserved resplendent glory.
But the years since “Vanadrottning” emerged have seen Grimner develop a deeper side to their songwriting and there is a notable maturity about their songs that mean the folk elements are very much integrated and essential parts to already well-rounded arrangements. This is an album that draws you in with memorable hooks and catchy folk, but buries deeper with less instant musical twists and mood changes in each track. There’s even what could be classed as a ballad, ‘Tiundaland’, which rounds the whole album out and is full of sincerely delivered harmonised clean vocals (further demonstration of another stride forward in this vocal style), acoustic instruments and evokes a lasting aura of reflective campfire light. The overall tone that exudes from “Urfader” is a joyous, up-beat creativity which is utterly contagious. There is nothing else that this album could be labelled as other than Folk Metal – unashamed, brazen and belligerent. The Metal is as heavy and aggressive as you could want and the Folk is as catchy and optimistic as you could need. Grimner have found a balance and pretty much nailed it.
(9/10 Andy Barker)
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