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1.  Agu
2.  Sõjasüda
3.  Küü
4.  Muhu õud
5.  Kivine Maa
6.  Rabakannel
7.  Isata
8.  Kahjakaldad
9.  Tormilind
10.  Ulg
11.  Eha

Total playing time:  43:34

Release Date: November 1, 2011
Label: Spinefarm Records

Metsatöll - Ulg

Reviewer: Peter

October 30, 2011

When it comes to folk metal around the world, it is obvious that Metsatöll has the country of Estonia cornered.  What is not so obvious is that Metsatöll is one of the best folk metal bands that few have still yet to discover.  Despite putting out some great albums, their fan base still hasn’t grown too much since their debut Hiiekoda.  Of course, this hasn’t stopped Metsatöll from releasing great albums, and never more is that evident than on their latest album Ulg. 

Ulg, which means “The Howl” in Estonian, is a further extension of the band’s habit to build on its name, which itself is an Estonian euphemism for wolf.  In comparison to their previous album Äio, Ulg is relatively easier to get into, as the running time is almost 17 minutes shorter, meaning that Metsatöll isn’t simply stretching out the songs to a specific point.  The songs are faster this time around, yet just as focused as they’ve always been, as evidenced by “Sõjasüda.”  The most important element to the Metsatöll sound is the folk element, which is there in spades in songs such as “Muhu õud” and “Kivine Maa.”  For slower songs in a relative sense, there is “Rabakannel,” a song that still fits within the Metsatöll sound while showing the band’s ability to work outside of their normal range.  Instrumentals on the album are “Agu” and “Isata,” which further the sound in different ways, as the former is more upbeat in its pacing while the latter is deeply rooted in the traditional folk sound.  The only real complaint with Ulg is that due to the faster pacing of the album, it does take a little longer to truly get into the album, but given that the album is as addictive as Metsatöll’s other albums, it isn’t a major complaint as much as it is just finding something negative to say about the album. 

Consistency is often an elusive thing for many a musician, let alone a metal band.  Metsatöll is fast becoming one of the few metal bands to have gained that level of consistency when it comes to quality, and Ulg is the latest example of Metsatöll’s ability to make an album that is both musically strong and fun at the same time.  Ulg is a good album to start with if you’re still unfamiliar with Metsatöll, and even if you’re a big fan of the band, Ulg is a worthy album for your collection.