Description

For those who miss the more melodic aspect of Viking Metal, Sweden’s Grimner should help satisfy your cravings. Think early Ensiferum with added traditional folk instruments. Their 2014 release ‘Blodshymner’ doesn’t revolutionize the genre, but its got some kick-ass songs with melodies to die in bloody battle for. Viking Metal stands proud once again. Thankfully this is a band that uses real folk instruments. Johan Rydberg plays flute, mandola, and bagpipes which greatly enhance the metal within, especially the flute which lays down most of the melodies. Guitarists Ted Sjulmark and Marcus Apslund Brattberg keep these songs heavy metal and provide the vocals, a combination of growling/clean leads and clean backing. Kristoffer Kullberg plays the keys which thicken the melodies pretty well, not an overly modern distraction. Bass by David Fransson while Henry Persson pounds those often speedy drums. Blodshymner (Bloodhyms, in English) offers quite a lot of enjoyment in that it sounds better than your average Folk/Viking Metal album. Grimner don’t churn out their combination of Folk and Viking Metal any more extraordinarily or uniquely than many of their partners in crime do, but they are definitely good at what they do. Grimner end up blending Ensiferum intensity with Korpiklaani fun, but (almost?) never slipping into a drunken brawl. They sail unto glorious battle against those that stand in their path. Raise your swords to victory. If you like Viking/Folk Metal, Grimners ‘Blodshymner’ is a must-own. For everyone else, keep in mind the inherent whimsy that follows when a death metal band uses flutes and bagpipes, and then choose wisely. I loved it. If you don’t, that’s your problem.

Track list:
1. Dom Över Död Man
2. Blotet
3. Färd
4. Ett Likbål För Den Tappre
5. Skogsdömd
6. Forna Dagar
7. Mot Jotunheim
8. En Saga Om Underjorden
9. Ättlingars Klagan
10. Hinn Heidinn Sior