VINTERSORG

Since the release of 1998's "Hedniskhjartad", the music of VINTERSORG has transcended mere metal, its creations more appropriately dubbed "art" that just happens to feature metal as a primary element. On 2004's "The Focusing Blur", the man that also lends his eloquent vocals to the mighty BORKNAGAR, created a progressive work that continued a trend of never sticking to the tried and true, yet never completely abandoning its Nordic folk metal sound. On "Solens Rotter", VINTERSORG returns to the roots, emphasizing the folk element and creating an album of arrangements that are rich with the sounds of instruments like flute, harp, and violin, while still unleashing a substantial amount of earthy black metal. And in case you've not already figured it out, the entire album is beautifully sung in Swedish.

Album opener "Döpt I En Jökelsjö 3" sets the tone for the album, the acoustic playing and folk cadences marrying electric guitars and Vintersorg's croaky black metal vocals, a style that also gives way to his soothingly clean and melodic singing. The tune's piano break is worthy of note too. More toward the black metal end of the spectrum (though still folky),the mid-tempo "Perfektionisten" and the shape-shifting "Att Bygga En Ruin" fit as snugly as the more expansive tracks, while "Spirar Och Gror" and "Kosmosaik" are two fine examples of the band's deft blending of styles. Moving between tempos, the melodically moving "Naturens Mystär" also offers some arresting guitar parts. The strings in particular and acoustic instrumentation in general of the elegant "Naturens Mystär" has an almost a Spanish air to it. A tricky sort of pacing and another effective melody is heard on "Från Materia Till Ande" before acoustic/string instrumental "Vad Aftonvindens Andning Viskar" wraps up the proceedings in majestic fashion. Overall, this is the kind of album in which the lack of English lyrics is virtually meaningless, as the feel and flow is what is most important.

Though I can't say that I'm as awestruck as many will be with "Solens Rotter" (I've found other folk-based works more enjoyable),my personal preference should not be taken to mean that the album is anything less than a grand experience. In other words, while I'd not be surprised to see a good many 9/10 ratings for the disc, I find it to be less a masterwork and more a very strong affair (obviously, it's scored an 8/10). It's more an issue of hair splitting and personal preference, as "Solens Rotter" is an absorbing album that long-time fans are sure to cherish for years to come.