Fimbultyr "Niddikter" CD

 2nd album of this Black / Viking Metal band from Sweden!

I've only recently stumbled upon Fimbultyr, hailing from Sweden and playing viking-themed black metal with distinct folk influences. With only two albums and the space of eight (!) years between those, it's no wonder that this band probably flies under the radar of even genre-specific fans. Which is a damn shame, if you ask me! This band ought to be in the spotlight!
Compared to the band's first album, Gryende Tidevarv, Niddikter has superior sound production (which especially benefits the incredible vocals of Christofer Säterdal) and seems more focused, more structured, more mature. The songs have more of an individual touch and tell unique and distinct stories.
Niddikter shines mainly in terms of the amount of ideas that the band was able to weave into this 46 minute tale of Norse mythology. While the influence of the greats of this genre (Finntroll, Månegarm, Thyrfing) are clearly present, Fimbultyr have already created their own style that sets them apart from so many black/folk bands which imitate more than they create.
A good test to see if you will like the album or not is to just listen to the opener and single, Oförgätlig Erinran. You will either fall in love instantly or it's just not for you. Personally, I think this is the album opener that every black/folk/viking band wants to write, and that so far only Fimbultyr has pulled off. Honestly, I cannot recall any other album opener that had quite such an impact on me! From the very first earth-shattering growl to the to-die-for goosebumps-epic chorus, this song is nothing short of a masterpiece!
Niddikter is generally very melancholic, but at the same time fast and energetic, occasionally bordering on outright brutal (a good example is Lindisfarne!). The well-placed synth parts create incredibly epic moments, but never overpower the traditional guitar/base/drum black metal line-up. The vocal style, which was a typical harsh black metal scream on Gryende Tidevarv, has been tuned down to an oh so mighty dark and intense growl that works very well with the music and the overall atmosphere, better I dare say than on the first album. The growls are frequently supported by clean vocals, presenting a well-executed counterpoint, another element that elevates this album above many others in the genre.
I don't have much to say in terms of criticism, except that a few hooks and melodies here and there seem a little infantile, for lack of a better word, and stand out negatively on an otherwise mature piece of song-writing. But if you like the album as a whole, which I certainly do, you are inclined to forgive these minor shortcomings. This is a must have for fans of folk-infused viking/black metal!

Official promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...