Finntroll – Natten Med De Levande Finntroll

Releasedate: 06-06-2014; Label: Spinefarm Records
By: Basak Günel

Finntroll is a Finnish folk metal band, formed in 1997. Back then, the band was formed by the guitarist Teemu “Somnium” Raimoranta and the vocalist Jan “Katla” Jämsen. However, over the years, the line-up of the band changed and after 2006, the band had finally a stable line-up; after the vocalist Tapio Wilska left the band in 2006, he was replaced by Mathias “Vreth” Lillmans, who is also the current vocalist.

Finntroll is considered to be one of the legendary and most influential folk metal bands in the folk/pagan metal scene; mainly because of the band’s unique style, which shows the band’s evolution with each album as well as the band’s lyrics and the elements/instruments they use. The band has recently released a live record called “Natten Med De Levande Finntroll”, which was recorded on the band’s show in Amsterdam in 2008. I wouldn’t be lying if I said that I, just like all the other Finntroll fans out there, have been waiting for this moment. Anyone who went to Finntroll shows knows that there is an amazing energy that these trolls create and to be able to hear and experience this is surely awesome! It must be mentioned that this show has been recorded 6 years ago so the fans of the classic Finntroll songs instead of the ‘new’ Finntroll sound and songs will enjoy this live record a lot more. As a matter of fact, this record is more like a “best-of” of the band; from the first moment to the last, the listener will get to know the band much better in a musical way.

Soundwise, the listener will be able to hear the interaction of the band with the audience very clearly. This record does not only consist of the audience clapping along but the listener will also hear and feel the enthusiasm and the eagerness of the crazy Finntroll fans! In this sense, this live record is not only special because it’s live but it will create that energetic vibe within the listener. It’s also incredible how the vocalist Vreth has improved over the years with his vocals. Don’t get me wrong; he sounds amazing in this live record but when I consider the Finntroll shows in the recent years, he’s even better than ever and this shows how Finntroll keep pushing the boundaries!

Speaking of the energy in the audience, there are some highlight songs of this record. In songs like “Trollhammeren” , “En Mäktig Här” and “Det Iskalla Trollblodet”, the interaction of the audience and the band is just incredible! Those songs happen to be my favorites of this record as well; especially “Trollhammeren” and “En Mäktig Här” are the essential songs of a Finntroll set list and listening to these songs live made me instantly headbang!

If anyone would ask me what an essential Finntroll live performance would consist of, I would show them “Natten Med De Levande Finntroll”! One down side of this live record is that it’s unfortunately only in CD format, which is quite disappointing if you want to watch the show. Nevertheless, I think this will be quite satisfying for Finntroll fans for now and hopefully the band will be able to release a DVD as well! “Natten Med De Levande Finntroll” is just what any troll needs! Get it and have fun with it!

Current Line-up:
Mathias “Vreth” Lillmans – vocals
Samuli “Skrymer” Ponsimaa – guitar
Henri “Trollhorn” Sorvali – keyboards, guitars
Sami “Tundra” Uusitalo – bass
Mikael “Routa” Karlbom – guitar
Aleksi “Virta” Virta – keyboards, touring keyboardist

Tracklist: 01. Kitteldags 02. Slaget Vid Blodsälv 03. Blodnatt 04. Nedgang 05. Nattfödd 06. Ursvamp 07. Eliytres 08. Aldhissla 09. Jaktens Tid 10. Rivfader 11. Korpens Saga 12. Trollhammaren 13. Fiskarens Fiende 14. Svartberg 15. Försvinn Du Som Lyser 16. Midnattens Widunder 17. En Mäktig Här 18. Det Iskalla Trollblodet 19. Segersang

Links:
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