Friday, April 21, 2023

Entry 333 - Finntroll - Jaktens tid

 

This is the only Finntroll album I own. It may be the only one I'll ever need. Nothing that they have made since or before captured the unique flavor of this band as well as Jaktens tid.

The album's first few tracks are very much in line with more standard keyboard driven black metal. The first being a dungeon synth type intro, and the second being a slower more atmospheric piece. Neither one gives a true indication of what is to follow.

On the third track the album reveals its true character. A fast riff and drums are quickly offset by the keyboards acting as an accordion... and the polka/black metal fusion begins. From this point on the gloves are off, and Finntroll become sillier and sillier.

Some highlights include the title track, where Joik singing is utilized to great effect. The aforementioned Slaget vid Blodalv has high energy and a great drunken atmosphere. Krigsmjod has a fun bouncing energy to it. Really all of the album has highlights throughout each song, it's just fun to listen to.

My favorite part of the album though may very well be the outro. It begins as many other black metal outro's do, being completely keyboard driven... then we get a minute or so of silence... then the reprise of the title track. The reprise can only be described as a complete drunken mess with all the band members singing out of tune and a tuba driving the melody. It's complete chaos and I love it.

Finntroll had a fantastically ridiculous sound on this album. It shows that not all black metal needs to be deathly serious, and can be enjoyed tongue in cheek as well as any other genre.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Entry 1190 - Paysage d'Hiver - Nacht

Nacht by Paysage d'Hiver Style: black metal, ambient Primary Emotions/Themes: A frigid and desolate landscape in audio form Thoughts: ...