By Bona Pjarren
Grimner were founded in 2008 in the Swedish town Motala by lead guitarist and vocalist Ted together with drummer Henry. The first demo ‘A Call For Battle’ (2010) was sung explicitly in English but was soon to be replaced by their native Swedish for subsequent EP and album releases. Now, after a gap of four years, they have returned, to celebrate “the ancient father” on this, their fourth full-length overall.
‘Hämtad av Valkyrior’ (‘Retrieved By Valkyries) is the first track; with it’s lilting almost classical intro it soon launches into some mainstream folk metal. Growling vocals and heavy riffs underpin some nice whistle and key work. There are also some seriously good vocal harmonies. Next up is ‘Där Fröet Skall Spira’, or ‘Where The Seed Shall Sprout’. It is obvious that Grimner have spent some serious time developing their riffs. ‘Där Fröet Skall Spira’ is another textbook folk metal song with a good balance between traditional and electronic instruments.
‘Västerled’ (‘Westbound’) really rips into it with a nice jig style underlying the main body of the song. There is a skillful mix of clean and extreme vocals adding to the overall charm of the track. An accomplished lead guitar part really gives this song a contemporary edge. A real crowd pleaser with something for everyone.
‘Ulvhednars Natt’, of ‘Night Of The Ulfheðinn’, continues the upbeat driving style of the band. Another descent track with good riffs. More metal in its composition than the previous song. It has a nice acoustic style breakdown that gives some needed light and shade. One for the mosh pit. By contrast, ‘Ur Vågorna’ (‘Out Of The Waves’) starts with a ballad approach before launching into some solid metal voicing. It has a sing along quality to it and is a robust heavy track. I can see why Grimner have supported the likes of Korpiklaani. Arguably this song has a touch of progressive rock to it as well as folk metal.
‘Helvandrarna’ (‘The Hel-Walkers’) features some classic metal ideas delivered by driving guitar work. While there are the inevitable folk ideas these feel more in the background when comparing it to other tracks on the album. There is again a nice acoustic style breakdown to help vary the song. Speed metal and progressive rock feature heavily on ‘Elftevisan’ (‘Eleventh Tune’). It still features some nice folk ideas that really swing into action as the song progresses. There is plenty of scope for crowd participation on this one for when it is played live as it is an absolutely epic track.
‘Glöd’, or ‘Embers’, is next up and the folk elements are guitar orientated. Driving rhythms and clever riffing really make this track rock. The ambient start to ‘Ivaldes Söner’ (‘Sons Of Ivalde’) really adds something to the album as a whole. It soon launches into some hardcore metal ideas though. Heavy and driving it is full of attitude. Penultimate track ‘En Sista Sköldborg’, or ‘One Last Shield Fort’, introduces some stunning dual guitar work and is a real ear worm of a song. This one really sticks with the listener. It has lots of sing along potential.
‘Tiundaland’ is the last track on the album and has some wonderful acoustic ballad style parts that really showcase the clean vocals. I was half expecting it to suddenly explode into heavy metal but thankfully Grimner resisted the urge, allowing the song to build naturally. It is a nice change of pace and a fitting end to an epic album.
‘Urfader’ has so much to recommend it. It is well thought out and wonderfully crafted. Each song follows on logically from its predecessor. Grimner have obviously spent a lot of time crafting every track on this album, there really is not a weak piece of music. And they have managed to retain a distinct sound. It is hard to pick out a favourite song, which is always a sign of a classic album in my book.
I highly recommend this ‘Urfader’ to all fans of folk metal.
- ‘Urfader’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
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