Album: Fäder (2013)
Genre: Folk Metal (Pagan/Viking Metal) / Sweden
While I’ve never been the biggest fan of Folk/Viking Metal, I’m most certainly not averse to a catchy riff, rhythms that fizzle and pop and the occasional soaring vocal harmony – elements that, if left in the hands of capable musicians, can make this specific subgenre quite a fun romp at times. Though they are nowhere near as popular as the likes of ELUVEITIE or FALCONER, Sweden’s IRMINSUL definitely have the chops to make any Folk Metal fan reach for his chainmail. Despite having been mightily impressed by their “Vinterskalder” and “Urberg” demos, I missed out on their 2009 full-length. I thus jumped at the opportunity to review their sophomore effort, “Fäder,” an album that picks up where the demos left off yet also expands on their sound in a few areas. Whereas many bands of this ilk seem to suffer from some sort of identity crisis, not knowing whether their music is meant to accompany a Celtic jig or a battlefield bloodbath, IRMINSUL wisely eschew both and end up all the better for it. Essentially, “Fäder” is a Folk Metal album that doesn’t sound like a Folk Metal album. Playing music that neither crumbles under the weight of its own grandiosity nor gets too ‘Black’ for its own good, IRMINSUL churn out thinking man’s warrior’s Folk Metal. Whether it’s the dynamic (and mostly instrumental) “Stupagreven,” the somewhat forlorn “Nattramn” or the Rock aesthetic of “Clades Variana” the music remains tempered, smart and (tastefully) catchy. “Ölbänk” is perhaps the exception to this rule, as it comes off as a silly KORPIKLAANI-esque jaunt, but that’s really the only complaint I have in terms of the album. The variation in mood is deftly handled throughput (especially on the awesome “Letters from the Past,” in which a demure opening section segues effortlessly into a punchy and victorious riff fest around the 2:40 mark). The violins are also incorporated effectively (something they’ve been doing for a while now), and the sense of energy and commitment remains tangible throughout the whole affair. The production job is also a big improvement on past exploits and a subtle yet discernible tendency towards proggy intricacy is also evident, especially on the longer numbers. There’s even a spot on cover of the Neverending Story theme tacked on for good measure! All in all this is simply a great effort from a band that definitely needs more exposure. Together with CNOC AN TURSA’s “The Giants of Auld” this is an easy contender for Folk/Viking Metal album of the year.
Review by "Neil" (www.metal-observer.com).
RATING: 7.5 / 10
.
Genre: Folk Metal (Pagan/Viking Metal) / Sweden
While I’ve never been the biggest fan of Folk/Viking Metal, I’m most certainly not averse to a catchy riff, rhythms that fizzle and pop and the occasional soaring vocal harmony – elements that, if left in the hands of capable musicians, can make this specific subgenre quite a fun romp at times. Though they are nowhere near as popular as the likes of ELUVEITIE or FALCONER, Sweden’s IRMINSUL definitely have the chops to make any Folk Metal fan reach for his chainmail. Despite having been mightily impressed by their “Vinterskalder” and “Urberg” demos, I missed out on their 2009 full-length. I thus jumped at the opportunity to review their sophomore effort, “Fäder,” an album that picks up where the demos left off yet also expands on their sound in a few areas. Whereas many bands of this ilk seem to suffer from some sort of identity crisis, not knowing whether their music is meant to accompany a Celtic jig or a battlefield bloodbath, IRMINSUL wisely eschew both and end up all the better for it. Essentially, “Fäder” is a Folk Metal album that doesn’t sound like a Folk Metal album. Playing music that neither crumbles under the weight of its own grandiosity nor gets too ‘Black’ for its own good, IRMINSUL churn out thinking man’s warrior’s Folk Metal. Whether it’s the dynamic (and mostly instrumental) “Stupagreven,” the somewhat forlorn “Nattramn” or the Rock aesthetic of “Clades Variana” the music remains tempered, smart and (tastefully) catchy. “Ölbänk” is perhaps the exception to this rule, as it comes off as a silly KORPIKLAANI-esque jaunt, but that’s really the only complaint I have in terms of the album. The variation in mood is deftly handled throughput (especially on the awesome “Letters from the Past,” in which a demure opening section segues effortlessly into a punchy and victorious riff fest around the 2:40 mark). The violins are also incorporated effectively (something they’ve been doing for a while now), and the sense of energy and commitment remains tangible throughout the whole affair. The production job is also a big improvement on past exploits and a subtle yet discernible tendency towards proggy intricacy is also evident, especially on the longer numbers. There’s even a spot on cover of the Neverending Story theme tacked on for good measure! All in all this is simply a great effort from a band that definitely needs more exposure. Together with CNOC AN TURSA’s “The Giants of Auld” this is an easy contender for Folk/Viking Metal album of the year.
Review by "Neil" (www.metal-observer.com).
RATING: 7.5 / 10
.
Nenhum comentário :
Postar um comentário