Originally written by Rae Amitay
Unlike some of my metal-reviewing peers, I’ve never really viewed Finntroll as being a gimmicky band. Sure, their name is goofy, and may suggest that they create songs solely about how trollin’ ain’t easy, but their compositions are complex, catchy, and consistent. Their particular blend of blackened humppa-laden folk metal has inspired many imitators, but they arguably remain the masters of mixing Banjo-Kazooie instrumentation with guitar, bass, and drums. In any case, Finntroll’s output has been reliably strong over the years, and they’ve successfully designed a sound that blends silliness with a more sinister air. Listening to their albums, especially 2010’s Nifelvind, is like speeding through a series of demented carnival rides – dizzying, adrenaline-soaked, and absolutely addictive. Blodsvept is less of a neck-breaking rollercoaster and more of a boisterous but unintimidating teacup ride, unfortunately. The album moves at an exciting pace but ultimately travels in circles. While there are some excellent standout tracks, it’s missing the experimental exhilaration of records past. Their ebullient energy is still present in force, but their creativity has veered toward predictability. It’s as though Finntroll has splashed on a fresh layer of paint, but it’s a somewhat lackluster shade scruffily blended together from familar hues.
The premier and title track starts promisingly enough, with an anthemic chorus and tons of upbeat, folky power. There’s really nothing to complain about here, and Finntroll was wise to open the album with this steamroller, as opposed to a slow-churning orchestral introduction. “Ett Folk Förbannat” is where things take a turn for the downright baffling. Unless “Ett Folk Förbannat” translates to “Rock Lobster”, then I think Finntroll might want to re-examine the originality of the riff that comes in at 0:26 and repeats several times throughout the tune. It certainly isn’t note-for-note, but it was still similar enough to warrant mentioning in this review. Judge for yourself, but that opinion aside, it’s an uninspiring if pleasantly bouncy track. There are plenty of shifts in dynamics, but the tempo hardly varies, and for a three-minute jaunt, it drags on for what seems like twice that length. “Mordminnen” makes up for this by implementing Finntroll’s trademark whimsicality and superb songwriting. Finntroll still writes great songs, bursting with banjo, black metal, and a barrage of hooks. The performances are all top-notch, and the production is excellent as per usual.
“Häxbrygd” has the makings of a “classic,” and is one of the most interesting tracks on Blodsvept. There’s a zany quality (thank you, theremin) that keeps the more evil chord choices in check with Finntroll’s sonic approach. It’s a hugely enjoyable tune that utilizes all of the band’s strengths in a way that sounds fresh. While that can’t be said for the album as a whole, it’s an undeniably strong collection of songs that nevertheless suffers from its own dependability. Finntroll used to be a band with an unmistakable sound that would still take tangible stylistic risks with each release. Blodsvept is more of a compilation exemplary of previous albums’ efforts, so while no track is a complete lemon, a formulaic film has grown over the surface of their songs. Fans of the band will likely find little to complain about, as long as they’re content with the audible lull in Finntroll’s evolution. It’s a commendable addition to the band’s discography, even if it seems to be resting on its laurels.
