Some time ago I was thinking, that how badly stagnated folk metal genres are. Every time I heard new folk metal band or album, it offered nothing new. Then I got the debut album from Danish folksters Huldre, and finally there was something characteristic, if not unique, to listen to.

'Intet Menneskebarn' is a 50-minute journey to Danish nature and soul. As radio presenter Anders Bøtter of metal program "Sort Søndag" said, Huldre play folk music with metal element added, and not metal music with folk element added. There are violins, lute, hurdy gurdy, flutes and percussion for folk music constituent. These instruments play a big role in music, and this becomes clear right on the opener 'Ulvevinter', where violin and hurdy gurdy are heavily utilized. The folk rhythms are used, but are well metalized. There is also a lot of metal drumming, and while the music is pretty much mid-paced and fastish, 'Vaageblus' for example contains some almost blasting tempos. The folk music does not mean mellow. Most of the songs are dark and melancholic, and only 'Spillemand' is about happier party atmosphere. The music does not lack of energy nor action, even though there are calmer, more fragile parts included. Every song contains metal parts, even traditional Norwegian song 'Beirblakken'.

The guitar tone is heavy and crunchy, giving good contrast to all archaic instruments. Chugging and hammering riffing is accompanied by catchy lead guitar work at times, as well as some black metal style tremolo picking, whatever suits a song. Most of the melodies are made by those non-metal instruments and vocals. The most individual thing about Huldre is vocalist Nanna Barslev, whose voice somewhat reminds me of The Cranberries' front lady. Nanna's voice is rather high-pitched, but she does lower singing, too. There is something witchy about her, as she does a lot of squeals and such. At times she goes close to yodeling. Her voice is nothing like typical, and might be a big obstacle for some to surpass. All the lyrics are in Danish, so there's another hindrance to beat. Growled male vocals are rarity here, but still heard.

The Lasse Lammert production is fleshy. Every instrument and vocals have their place in the mix, and they are balanced well with each other. Nothing clouds anything. Organic sound is perfect for this kind of music, and that's how it sounds like. Different atmospheres and moods are all nicely brought forward. This is both punchy and tender. The album is packed in a digipak with nude people bustling in forest. Huldre or Huldra is a seductive creature of forest in Scandinavian mythology, so photography is indeed totally suitable. Nature and soul, indeed. The lyrics are printed and it makes it easier to translate them, if that's what one wants to do.

'Intet Menneskebarn' is a successful assimilation of folk and metal music. It is catchy yet diversified enough, characteristic and engrossing piece of music for all you children of nature. Now shut that computer and go take a walk outside with this album playing on your personal stereo.

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/03/2013 19:41