Review : GLITTERTIND – “Landkjenning”

Glittertind – Landkjenning
Released: May 27th 2009 on Napalm Records

Rating : 4/5

We’ve waited 6 years for this album and it was worth it! Grade A Folk metal. Clear instrumentals of strings, organ, accordian, flutes, horns, and a beautiful chorus bring this cultural album to life.  Lead singer Torbjorn Sandvik delivers his punky Dropkick vocals that combine with the epic instrumentals to form a perfect “drinking song” album.

The album was structured well, beginning with beautiful Norwegian chanting that sends chills down your spine. The catchy, Old Norse style melodies prevail throughout the album. “Nordafjells” changes the pace with a Korpiklaani style, upbeat jig song. The songs become very pirate-esque around “Går min eigen veg” and ” Longships and Mead.” Slower paced intermissions during the songs compliment their groovy headbanging riffs for an enjoyable listen!

Sounds like: Tyr, Korpiklaani, Gogol Bordello

FCC: OK
Track: 1, 3, 5

01. Landkjenning (Landsighting)
02. Nordafjells (Mountains in the North)
03. Varder i brann (Beacons Burning)
04. Går min eigen veg (Trudging my own path)
05. Longships and Mead
06. Glittertind (Glittering tine)
07. Jeg snører min sekk (Lacing my backpack)
08. Mot myrke vetteren (Toward the dark winter)
09. Brede seil over Nordsjø går (Over the North Sea, Broad sails blowing)
10. Overmåte full av nåde (Exceedingly Full of Grace)