In a world where every musical subgenre has seemingly been explored, exploited and exhausted, it is unusual and refreshing to come across something which is unique and pushes the boundaries further, and yet that is what Drott have managed to do again on their sophomore album, ‘Troll’ which carries on exactly where the enigmatic debut ‘Orcus’ left off while pushing the boundaries even further.
Drott is made up of Arve Isdal (Enslaved), Ivar Thormodsæter (Ulver) and Matias Monsen, hailing from Bergen on Norway’s rugged West coast, and this heritage is represented well in the music. Vocals are provided by Kristian Espedal (better known of course as Gaahl), Lindy Fay Hella (well known for her solo work as well as Wardruna) and Herbrand Larsen (perhaps best known for his work with Audrey Horne and Enslaved) all of whom bring different dimensions to the music but keep within the blueprint.
‘Troll’ can be considered a concept album, exploring Scandinavian myths, superstitions and legends including Fornjot (one of the Jötunn in Norse mythology), witches’ rituals and trolldom through its dark, ambient soundscapes created through subtle guitar, drum and cello work. It is mellow, peaceful and thought provoking as it conjures images of far flung desolate landscapes and dense vegetation, and is the soundtrack of an ancient forest and all of her secrets awakening from a deep slumber.
This is not metal as we know it, but it has a brooding intensity running through its core, which at times has a sinister edge to it which mean that it will appeal to large swathes of the metal community. As such, if you’d like to listen to something a little more cerebral or want a break from your usual aural battery, I highly recommend this to you.
(8/10 Andy Pountney)
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