Svartsot - Mulmets Viser (2010)

Coming from Denmark, we get Napalm Records second Folk/Viking Metal offering of the month. “Mulmets Viser” is Svartsot’s second full-length album and their best to date. Having recorded two brilliant demos and one full-length album (“Ravnenes Saga”) the band shows no signs of losing their edge in every release.

After 90% of the band quit in 2008, Cris J.S. Frederiksen wasted no time in putting together a group of musicians that wanted to continue with Svartsot. This bold move paid off since there is nothing lost in the quality of this band, and we would even dare to say that they sound better than ever.

Having a clear foundation in Death Metal, the band uses harsh vocals all throughout the album and they sound great. The band sounds sometimes like Eluveitie in a less bombastic way, but still powerful enough to keep you head banging from start to end. While most bands of the genre focus on either the Folk/Viking or the Metal aspect of their music, Svartsot has found a perfect balance in their sound.

The use of actual Flutes, Whistles, Mandolin, and Accordion gives the band the authentic feeling we always look for bands in this genre, we do not like bands that cheat using synths to provide the ‘Folk’ aspect of their Folk Metal. These elements are gently used and don’t sound like you are listening to a polka band that snorted 2 pounds of cocaine, like many other bands sound like.

Featuring Danni Jelsgaard (ex-Illanth), the drums sound great and with the folk elements provide that ‘Epic battle’ feeling that this type of music should create. While we like Folk/Viking Metal because of its epic feeling, it’s also crucial that the riffing is powerful and catchy enough to create intricate melodies.

Svartsot with “Mulmets Viser” has reached a new peak in their short, but successful career. We can only see good things in the future of this band. If you are looking for a good Folk/Viking Metal album look no further. While they are not as straight forward as Tyr and other legendary bands of this genre, Svartsot’s sound is very rich and will eventually get there, so be an early adopter and witness their transformation from good to great in a few releases.

Release: April 6th, 2010

Country: Denmark