After seven long years, Finntroll are back with arguably their best album to date, ‘Vredesvävd’. Packed with the usual blackened folk metal we’ve come to love from the pointy-eared Finns, ‘Vredesvävd’ is not only a remarkably short collection of cinematically thrill-seeking music but also the first to feature Heikki “Mörko” Saari on drums, who is a perfect fit, in my humble opinion.
Translating to “wrath-woven”, ‘Vredesvävd’ is described by the band as, “raising a mushroom-cladded middle finger towards lazy rock music” – a sentiment that I not only respect but agree with whole-heartedly. Finntroll clearly put much thought behind their writing, and not because of the time between releases. The depth of layered composition becomes increasingly prevalent throughout their discography, while continuously showcasing genuine skill in their execution.
As with many Finntroll albums, the opening track to ‘Vredesvävd’ comes in the form of a theatrical and thoroughly fantastical orchestral piece, complete with background male choir. “Väktaren” prepares one for imminent battle, reminiscent of a Howard Shore film score. It flows extremely well into “Att Döda Med En Sten”, which is full of exciting, magical keyboards and hammering blast beats.
The first single, “Ormfolk”, is one of my favorite tracks on the album, with a thick and folky Windir-esque ambience, despite the punk beat snare placement. The following three songs are also distinct highlights; “Gränars Väg” going from a walk through the Shire to a catchy sea shanty, second single “Forsen” bringing unforgiving heaviness, and “Vid Häxans Härd” is likely the most epic part of ‘Vredesvävd’. Eerie, carnival-like keyboard backed by a rapid double kick, launches this track into full gear, and its brisk pace never let’s go.
The intensity continues with “Myren”, Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns’ asperous vocals providing an extra rhythmic layer. The same goes for “Stjärnors Mjöd”, which contains a great 6/8 movement with a hint of piano beneath the enormously fierce arrangement. The opening bars of “Mask” signals the start to the closing of the album, atmospheric keyboards, and cymbal accents sitting atop thick guitars, giving the impression of a brake-less street race in an enchanted forest.
Finally, “Ylaren” winds things down with an almost western twang in 3, displaying a slightly different side to Finntroll that I quite enjoy. This is a fantastic way to close the album, taking the bpm down a notch to create an illusion of momentum, like a current raging forth to carry your ship toward victory or defeat.
Fast-paced intensity combined with captivating groove and impressive execution is what makes ‘Vredesvävd’ a stand-out release of 2020. Finntroll have once again created an album free of fluff or additives, one that takes off on a journey into treacherous territory, twists and turns when needed, and still leaves you wanting more. A talented group of musicians, a heavy yet swift tangle of instruments, maybe an orc or two thrown in for good measure, and you have a short but sweet album that can and will be played on repeat.
