SKALD - I EN SVUNNEN TID
Upbeat Drinking Tunes - 90%
Written by Razakel on August 28th, 2008

This isn't your typical Korpiklaani worship band. Skald, from Sweden, play original, melodic, and upbeat folk metal in a class of their own. Their EP, I En Svunnen Tid, is the bands only release besides two demos and it gives the listener a great taste of what these Swedes are capable of.

I was immediately impressed by the variety present on this mini album. This is something that sets Skald apart from other bands of their ilk. This release opens with an atmospheric piece, leading into some cheerful folk music. Diversity is also achieved through the use of violins, a somewhat unusual instrument, even in this genre. The vocals are strong and vary from spoken, chanting, to Finntroll-ish harsh rasps (Lindormen). Folksagan is truly a bizarre song. Opening with a brooding ambient intro, it turns into a mid paced song with incoherent rambling shouts for a chorus. This may sound off-putting, but there is something strangely captivating about this one. The EP closes with a slower, darker song featuring spoken vocals and a nice riff.

Skald are definitely a band to keep an eye open for. This may just be a short introduction to the band, but I believe it is only the beginning of something much bigger. This band is fully capable of standing alongside the big names in the genre of folk metal.

ORIGINAL LINK HERE