tracklist:

1. Trollhammaren
2. Hemkomst
3. Skog
4. Försvinn Du Som Lyser
5. Hel Vete

label:Spinefarm
release date: 4/13/2004

The Band
Vocals: Tapio Wilska
Guitars: Samuli Ponsimaa [Skyrmer]
Bass: Sami Uusitalo [Tundra]
Drums: Samu Ruotsalainen [Beast Dominator]
Keyboards: Henri Sorvali [Trollhorn]


One night in march 1997 two men were sleeping in a rehearsal room in Helsinki. The other woke up and started playing the keyboards and came up with a folkish melody. Soon the other one woke up too. Liking the melody he asked the other guy to play the riff in traditional finnish "humppa" style (humppa is a variety of polka...). This sounded very mean and guitars and brutal vocals were added immediatly. Thus Finntroll was born..

I’ve got to admit – I feel a little goofy reviewing a single disguised as an EP, especially so long after the release of the album from which the primary track is drawn. That being said, I’ll try to keep this short and sweet.

Finntroll’s five song Trollhammaren EP features one of the standout tracks from their latest album, Natfödd, and four non-album cuts. For fans – rejoice! – even more polka metal for your jigging pleasure. For those who have yet to experience the band, consider this a low-priced primer. The tracks here show off the entire spectrum of Finntroll’s sound. The title track is heavy on the “humppa” (a style of Finnish polka) infused sound that the band is best known for. “Hemkomst” takes that formula to a darker place with a blackened-thrash feel. “Skog” maintains that feel but adds a Hollywood-style second half. “Försvinn Du Som Lyser” borders on power metal (but don’t worry, the vocals don’t wuss out). Closing track “Helvete” brings us back full circle with a track so goddamn catchy, upbeat, and jiggable, you’ll forget that the English translation of the title is “Hell”.

I read recently that the band has taken a bit of flak over the years for writing and playing an upbeat brand of black metal. Thankfully these party-poopers have done little to dampen the spirits of the band or its increasing legions of fans, so that we may all continue to enjoy the glory that is Finntroll.