Kev Rowland
According to legend FINNTROLL were conceived one drunken night in March 1997. With a heavy dose of beer and vodka mixing a folkish melody in the “Humppa” style of Finnish polka with heavy guitars seemed a great idea to axeman Somnium (ex-Thy Serpent, Impaled Nazarene) and vocalist Katla. When the duo sobered up, the concept still kept its original appeal and even though the band has had its’ challenges over the years (Katla had to leave in 2001 due to worsening throat problems and Somnium was killed in an accident in 2003) here they are back with their sixth album. The current line-up is Mathias Lillmåns a.k.a. Vreth (vocals), Mikael Karlbom a.k.a Routa (guitars), Samuli Ponsimaa a.k.a. Skrymer (guitars), Henri Sorvali a.k.a.Trollhorn (keyboards, guitar), Aleksi Virta a.k.a. Virta (keyboards), Sami Uusitalo a.k.a. Tundra (bass) and Samuel Ruotsalainen a.k.a Beast Dominator (drums). The band have stretched the weirdness angle over the years, but main composer Trollhorn states that the new album unites the raving madness of ‘Niflvind’ (2010) with the natural approach of ‘Nattfödd’ (2004).
Even forgetting how the band look in photographs, it is impossible to listen to this music without smiling. I mean, here is polka-style folk mixed with metal in a language I can’t possibly understand but it embued throughout with a sense of fun. Writing a review is even more meaningless than normal as you will either love this or not, there really is no middle ground. The only missing element is that this should only be played when there is limitless supplies of beer available: if ever music was made with the sole purpose of being played while becoming drunk then this has to be it. Take it from me, if you’re not sure about this album when sober then you’ll love it when you’re not! Cast aside any preconceptions you may have and just give this a blast – the day will look better for it, I assure you, even though sometimes they do come across as Tom Waits (play “Rösets Kung” all the way through and you’ll see what I mean). Brilliant!