Nattfodd
[Century Media]

In a day when it is becoming more and more difficult to remain original, where so many bands sound the same and glut the underground with their copycat anthems to Gothenburg, the forests of Norway, Lord Satan, or slaying the dragon, it is truly rare to find a style which you have honestly never heard before. Let me say this clearly for those of the uninitiated: There is no band like Finntroll. The closest band in terms of style would be Moonsorrow, but at times that comparison is a bit of a stretch. Combining the finest elements of black metal, adding a touch of power metal, and a fine candy coating of folk, Finntroll is not only able to appeal to fans of all three metal sub-genres, but pushes the envelope even further. Taking this fine array of metal influence, Finntroll manages to pull their style, kicking and screaming, through what could only be called ‘Humppa Fusion’ ™.

Yes, you read that correctly. Humppa. A Finnish style of polka, this humppa influence is brought to life by a plethora of keyboard wizardry, easily imitating the sounds of an accordion, a mouth harp, and kazoo. Finntroll’s sophomore release, Jaktens Tid (2001, Century Media) was considered to be the band’s breakthrough in the underground. Wildly heralded as the most original folk metal album of the year, it was with great anticipation that the band’s fans waited for the next album. After the death of guitarist Somnium and the departure of Vocalist Katla, it was wondered if Finntroll would ever be the same. Last year, "Visor Om Slutet" was released, the first album with featuring the current lineup. Recorded in a cabin in the woods, Finntroll’s third album was almost bereft of metal in any shape or form. Consisting of wild ambient passages and drunken barroom singing, nobody truly knew if Finntroll would return to form.

Thankfully, having gotten the experimental acoustic/ambient record out of their systems, Finntroll once again entered the studio to record their fourth full-length, Nattfodd. Most striking about the new record is the overall feeling that a listener gets when listening to the album for the first time. Unlike Jaktens Tid, Nattfodd in imbued with an extremely positive vibe. Capturing the energy of what members of the band call a “trollish hoedown”, Nattfodd can’t help but bring a smile to the face of even the grimmest of black metal fans. There is energy here, sharp and crackling with human emotion and life.

The keyboards truly are the star on this record. Guitars and bass also play a significant role, but usually serve to move the song along to the next keyboard riff. The overall tempo is significantly reduced since Jaktens Tid, with songs often taking a little time to breathe. Along with the speed, much of the harshness and black metal elements have been dropped as well, leaving the band seemingly more straightforward and focused. Vocals are most often growled, with occasional gang chants chiming in for a number of memorable choruses. Every song can stand on it’s own, being memorable and always having something to offer the listener.

Aside from one strange ambient piece in the middle of the record, Nattfodd is pure Humppa asskicking; surely one of the more fun albums to listen to in many years. Fans of folk metal, this is a must hear.