Vintersorg’s Orkan

There’s always been something magical about Folk Metal; the heroic guitar riffs, pagan lyrics, and the epic and moving folk instrumentation. As the twenty year old genre slowly makes it way up the mainstream metal ladder, more and more veteran bands lose some of the spotlight. Swedish Folk Metallers, Vintersorg, however is a band that never ceases to diminish. This year they are planning on releasing their next album, Orkan, so let’s see if they’ve retained that magical energy that Folk Metalheads expect.

Band: Vintersorg
Album: Orkan
Genre: Folk Metal
Label: Napalm Records
Release Date: June 29th, 2012

This will be their 8th full length release throughout their 16 year history. The band seems to have a constantly shifting style, but they bring something that somehow keeps their alterations cohesive. Orkan translates to “Hurricane” and that is exactly what this album is–a storm of impending destruction, howlings sounds, and extreme power. Vocals, bass, guitars, and keyboards are delivered by none other than Vintersorg himself. His true identity might be one a bit more familiar as some of you may recognize him as Andreas Hedlund of Borknagar fame. There have always been similarities between the two bands since their parallel careers began to cross in the post-2000 era. A mixture of Black Metal with key symphonic elements place both of these bands in that iconic breed of Progressive Black Metal that constantly keeps them refreshing and impacting to listen to.

The first track off of the album is “Istid”, which translates to “Ice Age.” It’s a chilling track with a passive guitar riff, mysterious symphonics, and encapsulating vocals which really make you feel like you are lost in an Ice Age. A familiar folk element is heard throughout the guitar work which will make any one foreign to Vintersorg instantly feel at home.

As this hurricane continues to develop, the next track “Ur Stjärnstoft Är Vi Komna” or “Out of Stardust We Are Born” changes the mood to a more of a dream state with its non-conforming rhythm and mesmerizing sound. The track itself wouldn’t be one I’d go out of my way to play on its own but like the other Vintersorg releases, Orkan is meant to be listened to in its entirety.

“Polarnatten” is a very fun track which opens up with a sort of mischievous orchestration that blasts into Vintersorg’s blackened folk sound. The song is very dramatic and almost theatrical as it describes “The Polar Night.” Very catchy verses and choruses carry this 7 min song throughout as it journeys across the night.

Darkness and madness work great hand-in-hand and that’s exactly what happens in the next track “Myren“, which translates to “The Mire.” A mire is an ominous swamp that one should tread carefully though for the depths can be unforgiving. Dark instrumentation and a ghastly atmosphere easily make this one of the most recognizable tracks on the album.

This hurricane of an album is still gathering force and the title track “Orkan” shows the power of Vintersorg and how their musical prowess can overcome any storm. The track is emotional, charismatic, and centered on recognizable folk melodies and riffs. It’s a culmination of all of Vintersorg’s musical styles in one perfect song.

As this storm begins to pass we are left at the “Mercy of the Ocean” or “Havets Nåd.” This song is one of the heavier tracks, which shouldn’t translate to what you’d expect on a thrash or death metal album as “heavy,” since Vintersorg focuses on the darker atmospheres that can be produced by the guitar in harmony with gruesome vocals and elegant orchestration. Towards the middle of the track there is a clear break where it transitions to a gentle breeze of sounds that gradually build back up the heavy tempo. It’s a very interesting song that almost leaves you in a metal daze.

“Norrskenssyner” is possibly the most unique track on the album due to it’s more diverse instrumentation and inclusion of female vocals. The song has a very somber folk tune which I sat there and simply said “this is folkin’ awesome.” The title translates to “Visions of the Northern Lights” so expect a dreamy melody with smooth transitions between blacker than black vocals and gentle symphonics.

To subdue this hurricane, Orkan ends with “Urvädersfången” which roughly means “Prisoner of the Primal Weather.” The music hints that this track might be a ballad but it’s sways back to a blackened epic and then back to an acoustic entourage. The song gently let’s you end the album feeling satisfied and refreshed.

Rather than looking at this hurricane as one that leaves only misery and death in its wake, see it as one that leaves a fresh perspective to a genre that has been slowly receiving the curse of the generic sound. Folk Metal has the advantage of being one of those slowly crafted genres comprised of nearly every musical style, from its origins with Black Metal, to its fantasy entralled Power Metal melodies. Vintersorg delivers a storm and an experience, but it should not be approached by someone with developing ears as this requires a mature musical palette which is to be expected with any musical mastermind. Andreas Hedlund, Mr. Vintersorg himself, we at Der Metal Krieger salute you.