Celtic iconography in the logo and medieval imagery on the cover art can only mean one thing in metal these days, yep it’s folk metal. I have seen a raft of these kinds of bands over the years and all have failed to excite my metal loins to an extent that I’d actually go out and purchase any products or see them live by choice. I have no qualms with bouncy rhythms and catchy choruses, but I find the varied instrumentation annoying. Even more cringing for me is the clean vocal wailing these bands seem to adopt in contrast to the harsher vocal styles more typically associated with actual metal music within the songs. So now you know, you’re already waiting for me to rip this album to shreds.
“Jotunheim” starts the album with bounce and a plentiful supply of energy. The soaring vocal lines are archetypal for the scene. Musically there are similarities to Ensiferum on the speedier sections, and a whole plethora of touches from acts ranging from Turisas, Finntroll and Moonsorrow. The three part title track is separated into numbered tracks beginning with “Shield Ring” and an acoustic and jolly jig that is infused heavily with wind instrumentation that for old geezers like me sounds just like Jethro Tull only far less clean or dextrous. The second part “Hælmwind” has cello and violin parts which sit with the heavier music as a half blast works well, surprisingly. I do like the raw guitar sound which creates an outside feeling of openness. The closing part is “Honour In This” and comes across as a little messy with the wind instrumentation becoming rather annoying for my personal taste.
Agreeably or not I find this side of metal to be flouncy and insipid, lacking power and depth of character even though the playing adeptness is fine overall. There are some sombre moments on the album such as “Black Birds Of Carrion” which has a powerful melody without becoming so watered down it sounds drab and lifeless. In fact the tune uses a more heavy metal riff structure than the Viking texture usually adopted in this scene. I probably like this more due to the absence of strings or wind instruments. The lead sits confidently in the song as well, as I often feel bands of this ilk stick to melodies rather than the traditional riff and solo template. This is neither praise nor criticism just my observation of the genre. An inevitable battle sound sample starts “Forsaken Warrior” with folk driven vocal warbling. The lead is mixed with the wind instruments and sounds forced; it doesn’t work for me I’m afraid.
I’d never say I’m an expert in this genre of metal and I have no particular interest in getting to know it more I’m afraid as the closest I’ve come to liking this style is when Amorphis add their own touches of the style to their songs. However my review shouldn’t put you off as anyone who likes the genre from established acts that I can name will enjoy this I’m sure. The album comes as a digipack and looks good if the price is right at their gigs or online.
http://www.andraste.org.uk
http://www.myspace.com/andrastemetal
Martin Harris
MTUK HOME
