Description

Svartsot is the next rising star in the folk metal heavens, as traditional Scandinavian sounds and instruments meet brutal, yet melodic death metal. Stylistically, Svartsot are much more death oriented than is typical for a folk metal band. For listeners like me who prefer the deep growls of death vocals over the raspy black metal vocals so common in Scandinavian folk/viking metal, this is a wonderful treat. Heavy, crunching guitar riffs drive the songs, yet the folk instruments present (bodhran, mandolin, accordian, irish whistles) are clearly audible. These add flavor but seldom dominate the music. The vocals are deep, strong death growls which manage to remain slightly catchy (similar in tone and style to Mikael Åkerfeldt’s from his work with Bloodbath). Production is very clean and sharp. If you are unfamiliar with folk metal but listen to death metal and would like to expand your horizons a bit, this is a great buy. If you are already a fan of folk/viking metal I’d recommend this album with one asterisk. Fans of bands like Eluveitie will probably enjoy this, but if Windir is more your style the production may be more polished than you’d like. Powerfully produced by Jacob Hansen (Tyr, Hatesphere), Svartsot’s debut delivers new hymns for Folk Metal’s next generation.

Track list:
1. Gravollet
2. Tvende Ravne
3. Nidvisen
4. Jotunheimsfaerden
5. Bersaerkergang
6. Hedens Dotre
7. Festen
8. Spillemandens Dåse
9. Skovens Kaelling
10. Skonne Moer
11. Brages Baeger
12. Havets Plage