HULDREFOLK – Eeuwenhout
Slava Satan records – CD2007
“Medieval Trollish Pestkult” were the first words I read about the blackmetal formation Huldrefolk. “Trollish” is a word that makes me want to turn away and never look back, but there appears to be no reason for fear of overly happy folk tunes here.
Huldrefolk brings a dirty form of blackmetal that reminds you of creatures living in disease ridden swamps. After a clashing and dripping intro, the blasting of “Gemene Gronden” sets in, carrying the cutting riffs in its’ wake. “Builen” sets of with some pounding guitars, showing these guys clearly know their metal. The raging sharp edged storm of drums, guitars and Drang’s searing vocals make this no pleasure to those who like their sound polished only. The only resting point comes suddenly right in the middle with some quiet tunes and vanishes as abruptly as it came. The mid-tempo song “Galgenlied” is a serious headbanger, with a continuously almost commanding vocal line and the guitar amps audibly put to the test in the pounding of a marching rhythm. “Pest Alchemie” and “Gareel Der Volksellende” come as a battering assault with subtle yet sudden tempo changes and some well built melodic lines beneath all the hammering, reminding me of Dutch blackmetallers Cirith Gorgor. With “Rattekermis” things get hectic again as this the speed is taken to a higher level. The same could be said for “Honger Snood” but this one carries a mean rocking groove. With certainly the first part reminding me somewhat of German black/thrashers Desaster and even Bathory, the battle feel “Alkoholocaust” makes me want to go out on a drunken brawl. With “Eeuwenhout”, Huldrefolk goes out with some well thought shredding and attention for melodic structures before all fades into the same kind of vile sounds by which it was announced.
The production ‘Eeuwenhout’ is unpolished and has an organic feel about it. Everything sounds quite powerful were needed and you hear what you have to hear. The rasping vocals are well present but clearly behind the wall of sounds. It all suits the music well and adds to the filthy atmosphere this work seems to breathe.
For those who like seriously filthy but well played oldskool blackmetal, this one is highly recommended.
91/100
Reviewed by Gunther
www.huldrefolk.be
www.myspace.com/huldrefolk
http://forum.deathmetal.be/frontpage/fyu/index.html
[url=http://users.pandora.be/depravity/fracturedinsanity/default.htm][img]http://users.pandora.be/depravity/fracturedinsanity/fracturedbanner.gif[/img][/url]
http://www.myspace.com/huldrefolk