Review Summary: a tale of frostbitten swords and plump, lusty women.
Every once in a while, I get lucky (I don’t mean sex). Although, when you think about it, it is kind of like sex when you stumble upon an album, listen to it, and find out that you like it. Anyway, this happened to me, only recently, whilst scrolling through YouTube’s suggestions, ultimately finding Crimfall’s
The Writ of Sword. Apparently a massively overlooked band, Crimfall made this album with their bare hands, probably while drunk, and murdering innocent villagers. Because that’s what Vikings do. Idiot. Raise your flag, my brothers, raise it high and then swiftly stab your enemy in the chest with it. The torch has been lit, and the time is nigh for Crimfall’s arising. Take heed! Ride thy steed as swiftly as possible to thy home, and swiftly put on headphones! An album such as this demands the ears of every man.
Crimfall are a Viking/folk metal band with an affinity for epic melodies. 90% of the album is spent on creating a symphonic experience that brings to mind any movie with vikings in it. The guitarist does not often employ his technical skills, but rather acts in accompaniment to the main picture, which is a soundtrack feel. The same can be said for the bloodlust growls, which are employed rather tactfully, at important moments, thereby creating power. The only unfortunate thing is that the album is so short, with only nine songs, two of them being interludes. It may be an epic experience to behold, but it is a regrettably short one. Thankfully, the album is so distractingly epic that the album’s length is of no consequence. The B movie feel to it all continues to put a smile on my face, even after multiple listens.
Something must be said for the album’s atmosphere, which is full and alive. I imagine the story of the album to involve a small group of Vikings, trudging through mountains of fallen snow, killing those in their path, as they search for the nearest pub. Ultimately, they find one, celebrating with wild drunkenness and goofy dancing. You see,
The Writ of Sword is a fun album, a silly one with its danceable folk melodies and Irish singing style. Even amongst the chaos, however, there is a certain calmness or serenity about it. Helena Haaparanta sings on top the mountain, nearly melting the icecaps with her beautiful voice. The winter theme be damned, the music is simply too riotous to be taken seriously.
The Writ of Sword is as an excellent follow up to
As the Path Unfolds…, and plenty of fun.
