Finntroll with Blackguard, Metsatöll and Trollband
Nov. 18th, 2013
The Pawnshop
The evening started off with western Canadian blackened folk metallers Trollband opening. Having missed their album release party a few months ago, I was interested to see their take on folk metal. Especially since I did not realize they were on the line-up until arriving at the venue. The ‘blackened’ element definitely shone through at times, creating a sound heavier than most folk metal. Trollband was able to put some energy into a half-full house, evidenced by having those who were initially reluctant to get on the floor nearer to the stage by the end of their set.
Metsatöll’s set proved to be an interesting experience, as one could assume it would be. Interesting, in this case, does not have any negative connotations. Rather, utilizing traditional Estonian instruments on stage (and in recordings) proved to be something slightly different and incredibly good. Metsatöll was able to build upon the energy in the room, engaging the audience although it’s almost a complete guarantee that no-one in the crowd actually understood the Estonian language. Ancestral instruments and lyrical themes were still able to be communicated through the music, creating for a solid set. Metsatöll is a band that I have long had intentions to further check into, and after seeing an impressive set, this may become a priority.
Blackguard, hailing from eastern Canada, held the slot directly before the headliners. Having seen Blackguard numerous times over several years with several different lineups, they still felt slightly out of place on this folk metal flavored line-up. The crowd seemed quite receptive and the first evidence of a small mosh pit could be witnessed during their set. Perhaps it was due to relatively recent line-up changes, but their set seemed slightly disorganized in comparison with previous shows. Personal opinion might play an influencing role in my perception of Blackguard’s set as I used to be a fan but have not been for some time now. (There is a good reason, but a review is not the place to discuss it in detail).
Headliners Finntroll came out with force, tearing into ‘Blodsvept’ and ‘Solsagan’ at the start of the set. These, as well as other material from the two newest albums, “Blodsvept” and “Nifelvind” seemed to be crowd pleasers. Having been a long-time Finntroll fan, it seemed strange when other audience members clearly didn’t recognize older material, but I suppose it’s bound to happen. Vocalist Mathias ‘Vreth’ Lillmåns even got a chuckle out of a few in the crowd when he stated that not every song is that good after an overzealous outburst from a fan. Finntroll brought their characteristic energy and unique mix of several metal sub-genres out with a vengeance. Even though the stage was a little cramped for the number of band members, the energy remained high throughout the set, and all instrumental and vocal components came through loud and clear. Although the vocals are in Swedish, most fans seemed able to headbang and mosh along to the ever-changing tempos. Finntroll is the perfect embodiment of a band that can combine a musical style leaning toward blackened folk, with an interesting aesthetic sense and enough onstage energy to provide an unpretentious and yet grandiose show.
I very thoroughly enjoyed the half of their set that I was able to watch. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to leave in the middle. Sometimes things happen, but here’s to hoping Finntroll comes back sooner rather than later.
(As a bit of an added random thoughts-brought-about-by-the-show rant: Since when did Finntroll’s music become popular with hipsters? Unless they just show up at metal shows for the sake of showing up at metal shows, as seems to be the case as of late. It might explain this ‘electro-swing’ trend that keeps popping up, and that I can’t wrap my head around. I’m still also struggling with the idea that some people can stand in the front row and not be engaged in the music what-so-ever, but it happened again. Again, I still find myself shaking my head at some women at metal shows. Perhaps it’s because I started going to shows when you would only find a handful of women in the room, or got used to the same generally self-respecting, knowledgeable women or perhaps I’m just getting older and more jaded, but some girls really seem to try their hardest to make all female metal-heads look like idiots. Thanks for that).
So, this review may have turned out to have a personal opinion, rather than more objective, flair to it. I suppose if you don’t like it, find some way to cope with it.
