Review Summary: that album name is so fucking bad it is unbelievable
Lumsk's debut album Troll looks pretty intimidating from the get-go. With an album name of 'Troll,' it would be fair enough for anyone to make the assumption that this record is about as musically adept as a two girls making out on top of a peanut butter coated pool table. Yet, this presumption is faux.
However this album does not represent accessibility - if you are new to the whole medieval folk in strange languages scene - Troll is not for you. The variety of unique and exotic instruments, odd timing and a lack of riffs makes this album - for some - to be a very challenging first listen, one that can lull you into an unsuspecting sleep, much like a Coldplay album.
Yet the harmonious violin, the infrequent yet atmospheric chants and the murky tone this album adopts drop punt it into being easily the bands best, and an album that should be checked out - to find out whether the tracks put you in a daze of boredom, or a trance of brilliance.
This album is more hit or miss than a game of battleships.
the chick singer is pretty mediocre and makes the album a lot more suspectible to lapses of boredom, yet she fulfills her purpose well, and although perhaps someone with superior talent would make this record one of the best of it's genres, it is a certainty that troll is better off with her presence, rather than without (and just resorting to those awful male vocals). she shines especially on bytingen, one of the slower, yet deeper tracks off the record. if you're looking for metal riffs and skramz then im afraid that this is not the particular voyage you should embark on. however, if you're an experienced folker who can enjoy the slower, melodious calming style of the genre, then i suggest you hop right aboard this Lumsk train, even if it is just for a short trial.
it would also probably rule if the tempo were a little more upbeat, as the speed (or lack thereof) can sometimes inhibit the listeners enjoyment.
