Glittertind - Landkjenning

June 8, 2009

Reviewer: Peter

The folk metal genre as a whole has experienced a large upswing, both in terms of quantity and quality.  However, there have been far too many instances of the former as opposed to the latter.  One record label that seems to have this figured out this year is Napalm Records.  Already having released quality albums from bands such as Ásmegin and Fejd, the recent trend of success continues with recently signed Glittertind.

For much of Glittertind’s existence, the band had been the vision of Torbjørn Sandvik.  As of last year, the lineup for the band doubled when Geirmund Simonsen joined.  This year, the band brings forth the latest release in Landkjenning, an album that proves to be as good as an introductory album for those just now knowing about Glittertind as most debuts albums are usually.

Landkjenning is actually Glittertind’s third release, and the first since Simonsen joined the band.  Much of the band’s lyrical themes revolve around Norway’s Christianization and the time period in which one had to choose between the new ways of thought and the traditional old ways.  As for the music itself, the album is deeply rooted in its Norwegian folk sound and to a large degree, comes across as epic without having to do too much.  A good amount of that can be attributed to Sandvik’s vocals, which from the first notes on the title track, come out loud and powerful.  The vocals carry the weight of the album, yet are ably assisted by the music part of the equation.  The deeply rooted folk sound is evident on songs such as “Nordafjells” and “Varder in Brann,” and can range from joyous to somber without much effort, yet, the songs are also melodic to where they will stay with the listener long after the album ends.  Every instrument on the album is played in a spot in which it is allowed to shine at its fullest and without overkill.  The atmosphere on the album does an excellent job of simulating how it would be like if the listener was transported back a thousand years to the time in which Norway’s religious crossroads took place.  The artwork on Landkjenning is done by Kris Verwimp, who seems to have a knack for capturing the concepts perfectly, as the cover art on the album demonstrates.  There aren’t many flaws on Landkjenning, but if there had to be one thing to pick out, it would be that it takes a while to truly get into the album.  However, that is only nitpicking, as once one gets into the album, it becomes difficult to put the album out of the music player.

Traditional folk metal isn’t quite as familiar of a genre to many, but there are definitely some quality bands that occupy this genre.  Glittertind is one of those bands and along with Fejd, they should be considered amongst the best of the genre.  Although most people will likely never have heard the band prior to Landkjenning, the album will undoubtedly change the minds of many.  A definite top ten album candidate, Glittertind offers everything a great folk metal band should have: authentic folk instruments, joyous drinking songs, somber storytelling, and vocals and chant-like choruses that capture the listener’s attention immediately.

Release Date: May 27th, 2009
Label: Napalm Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Landkjenning
2.  Nordafjells
3.  Går Min Eigen Veg
4.  Longships and Mead
5.  Varder in Brann
6.  Glittertind
7.  Jeg Snører Min Sekk
8.  Mot Myrke Vetteren
9.  Brede Seil Over Nordsjø Går
10.  Overmate Full av Nåde

Total playing time: 36:31

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