Svartsot - Ravnenes Saga

September 22, 2008

Reviewer: Peter

With the recent surge in the number of folk metal bands, it should be no surprise that most, if not all, European countries are looking to make themselves heard.  Denmark has thrown their name into the ring with Svartsot, which unless you count Týr, a band from the Danish territory of the Faeroe Islands, is the first Danish entry.  Signed to Napalm Records, they have come out with an album almost certain to make people take notice with Ravnenes Saga.  They better, since Svartsot has proclaimed themselves as the “Next Generation of Folk Metal,” well, at least according to the sticker that covers the front of the CD cover anyway.

Unlike most of their contemporaries, Svartsot is not laden with folk instruments.  Instead, they keep it rather simple, with whistles, mandolin, and a bodhrán (Irish folk drum) constituting the instruments that add the folk element to the sound.  This method actually works, especially when the instruments act as a compliment to the guitars, which are the main rhythm makers on the album.  On songs such as “Festen”, “Tvende Ravne”, and “Spillemandens Dåse”, the guitars are evident and are usually at the forefront.  While the whistles, mandolin, and bodhrán are complimentary pieces, they are also more than capable of taking center stage when needed, as evidenced on “Bersærkergang” and “Skønne Møer”.  Overall, the sound is catchy, as all folk metal bands should be, and fairly easy to move along with in keeping rhythm.  The music isn’t truly a “romp in the forest” type as Korpiklaani, but it does show some good range, as it does capture the somber parts on “Hedens Døtre”.  The only real weak spot on the album is the vocals, which for the most part, are a little too much on the Amon Amarth side of the equation.  It isn’t too bad when it goes above the low end of the growling spectrum and isn’t too much of a distraction from the rest of the album, but too often, vocalist Claus B. Gnudztmann is content with trying to impersonate Johan Hegg.  The production is very crisp and the liner notes provide some background on the songs and what they mean, which means you might actually learn something in addition to having something to pollute your ears with while passing the time.

After having gone through the twelve tracks on Ravnenes Saga, does Svartsot live up to the proclamation of the “Next Generation of Folk Metal?”  The answer, for the most part, would be yes because for all the new folk metal bands that seemingly pop up out of the woodwork, Svartsot actually delivers something different.  Not all folk metal has to be made using folk instruments, but as Svartsot proves on Ravnenes Saga, timing is everything.  Now if the band can get out of the Amon Amarth sound-alike doldrums, then the future is indeed brighter for the Danish group.

Release Date: November 2nd, 2007
Label: Napalm Records

TRACK LISTING

1. Gravøllet
2. Tvende Ravne
3. Nidivisen
4. Jotunheimsfærden
5. Bersærkergang
6. Hedens Døtre
7. Festen
8. Spillemandens Dåse
9. Skovens Kælling
10. Skønne Møer
11. Brages Bæger
12. Havets Plage

Total playing time: 42:56

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: