FINNTROLL „Ur Jordens Djup”

FINNTROLL is one of those bands that has always escaped me. I've listened to a few tracks off of some of the older records and I just seemingly can't get into them. It's probably more of the polka influence than anything else, which always reminds me of a biergarten in Germany for some reason. That and the fact that I feel like I'm taking off into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien at each listen as well. Not saying that there is anything wrong with that because I personally really enjoy “Lord of the Rings” and etc. but I just don't want it in my metal. I'm open to FINNTROLL but I'm not necessarily a fan.

“Ur Jordens Djup” arrived with a recent batch of metal and I've been torn regarding this album ever since. I really enjoy the dark atmosphere of the album to be honest, not to mention the fact that the overall musicianship is amazing. But once again, I'm filled with the same feelings at times during this release that I have felt in the past regarding FINNTROLL. The polka elements are kept at bay more often than not on the record but I still hear them coming through at times. The folk elements are coupled perfectly with fast, intuitive riffs and rolling drumlines. The screaming wails seem to lock everything into place and the basslines are about as definitive as you can get. The drums are amazing, I have absolutely no complaint there whatsoever. I really like the song structure as well.

So what the hell is the problem you are probably asking? I don't know. There is something about this record that leaves me unsettled and I can't quite put my finger on it. One thing that starts to get to me is some of the background black metal chanting that I hear in some of the tracks. Although it is not something that is a deal breaker, combined with the polka elements and strange atmosphere that that brings, makes this album almost laughable at times. There's just something about “Ur Jordens Djup” that gets under my skin, and before I can really identify it, I feel turned off.

Basically, I'd say if you enjoy FINNTROLL's back catalog and the elements that I'm not very in tune with you will most likely enjoy this record. Like I said the musicianship, song structure, and overall layout is awesome, but the portions that drive me nuts, really drive me nuts. My favorite tracks on the album include the suspenseful “Gryning”, it's complement “Sĺng”, perhaps the most solid track on the album “Nedgĺng”, and the keyboards on “Ormhäxan”.

note: 7.0

Tracklist

Gryning
Sĺng
Korpens Saga
Nedgĺng
Ur Djupet
Slagbröder
En Mäktig Här
Ormhäxan
Maktens Spira
Under Tvĺ Runor
Kvällning

Line-up

Skrymer – Guitar
Routa – Guitar
Tundra – Bass
B. Dominator – Drums
Trollhorn – Keyboards
Vreth – Vocals