Finntroll - Nattfodd

2004 Album Award

Finntroll was formed in 1997 when Somnium (ex-Thy Serpent, Impaled Nazarene) and Katla discovered that when you combined traditional Finnish "humppa" style polka and black metal, something very evil and entertaining was created. The demo Rivfader was recorded a year later with a drum machine. The band was quickly rounded out, though, with drummer B. Dominator (Barathrum, Rapture), Skrymer on live guitars, Trollhorn (Moonsorrow) on keyboards and Tundra on bass. A deal was then inked with Spikefarm Records. Their debut full-length, Midnattens Widunder, was dubbed “troll metal” and featured a lyrical attack on Christianity. Their next album, Jaktens Tid, really got the attention of the metal underground and gained Finntroll a licensing deal with Century Media. Regrettably, throat problems would force vocalist Katla into an early retirement from the band. It didn’t stop them, however, from realizing a long planned project, the acoustic/experimental CD Visor Om Slutet in 2003 with Katla and new vocalist Wilska (Sethian, ex-Wizzard, ex-Nattvindens Gråt, etc.). Tragedy then struck, as Somnium was killed in an alcohol-related accident in Helsinki. The band pressed on in his honor, however, heading into Sundicoop Studios to record 14 new tracks. Nattfodd captures the essence of Finntroll. It is raw, epic, melodic and combines elements of metal, folk, punk, humppa and god knows what else.

The first track, “Vindfard/Manniskopesten,” makes it clear that, folk elements or no folk elements, this is very fast, heavy stuff! Relentless double bass work by B. Dominator, novel keyboard work by Trollhorn and the harsh rasps of Wilska set the blackened tone quickly. This is definitely symphonic black metal—but with a melodic sense all its own. Listen to the bizarre instruments that greet us on “Eliytres”! An accordian, klezmer, flute, jaw harp (?)—you name it, they use it. This is the patented humppa attack that is so unique, but listen closely here and you will also here guitar/keyboard interplay that is very similar to what their countrymen Children Of Bodom are doing. The accordion really gets cranked up on “Fiskarens Fiende,” locking tight with massive guitar riffs. How they pull this off I have no idea, but my friends, this is mug swinging extreme metal at its best! I like the break here, too, where you hear drunken lads singing merrily in the background. The grooves on the title track are terrific. How can black metal possibly be this fun?! The guitar work here by Routa and Skrymer is terrific—both electric and acoustic. And behind them, the accordion and keyboards weave lush and buoyant melodies. On “Marknadsvisan,” we can hear the sounds of trolls marching and fighting. Then “Det Iskalla Trollblod” kicks off with a progressive riff that is the best on the album yet. This gives way to a massive polka party, complete with chanting and hand clapping. Another wonderful riff on “Grottans Barn,” with Wilska somewhere between a snarl and a clean vocal. The band claims this track is a tribute to Amorphis’ Tales Of A Thousand Lakes. That makes sense—on this one they step back from the folk stylings for a minute and just play groove-based black metal. Listen to the terrific melodies Trollhorn conjures on the keys. I’m glad Wilska sings in his native tongue—it adds to his mystique and makes me wonder if he actually is a troll himself. The proceedings conclude with the beautiful acoustic instrumental “Routas Vaggvisa.” What a delightful way to end a spirited work.

Anyone who wants to hear a band with an identity entirely its own—that’s Finntroll. You can’t help but respect these guys, because you’ve never heard anything like this in your life. In a metal underground with literally thousands of bands, that’s something to be proud of. Heck, even their black metal stance against Christianity is novel—they want to wage their war with a troll army! Hold your mugs high, boys. You’ve earned your keep again.