Wyrd - Huldrafolk (2002)

Formed from the ashes of Hellkult back in the late 90's by the insanely prolific, Tomi "Narqath" Kalliola, Wyrd became his personal project and within the past decade has become one of the most recognizable names in the Finnish metal scene.

2002's, 'Huldrafolk' caught my attention back then as one of most original and gripping records within the folk influenced black metal genre and most people will agree with me when I say its a modern day classic, because that's exactly what it is.

Huldrafolk's six songs carry on between mid-paced melodic black metal compositions with ample backing Burzum-ish style synth, nature samples and acoustic guitars, while occasionally featuring hastier droning speeds of black metal ferocity. The progression in and between songs is remarkable with some moments being melancholy, epic, hateful and just plain indescribable too with each song bleeding into the other, sort of giving the feeling that the album is one long song. Fully the album sounds very Pagan, heroic and folky in tone with also a variety of odd percussion's and even a tuba and accordion (probably synthesized though) making an appearance.

The vocals are typically performed in a snarled raspy tone and with the lyrics in front of you its fairly easy to follow Narqath's words. Some whispered/spoken parts are also used as well as some clean viking-ish singing, which adds to the epic mood.

The guitars have a raw trebly effect to them and the overall production is far from great, but this is black metal after all. The guitars as I already mentioned are melodic, with usually an acoustic guitar being layered over a fuzzed up repetitive riff, generally during the slower moments, but some clever faster riffs do make their appearance in the blasting sections as well. In particular one in the title track, which is totally head banging worthy with a great deal of energy and dexterity behind the whole song. Often times the nature samples and synthesized parts are on their own, which usually just ends up with the music striking back harder than ever, which is definitely the case with the ending of, 'Misanthrope's Masterplan' and the driving blasting of, 'The Harvest Day.' The drum work is quite simple and the bass guitar is absent completely, but again this is black metal all the way.

All six of the songs really stand out as being stunning to me, but, 'Aijeke' and 'Huldrafolk' I wouldn't hesitate to say are among some of the best black metal songs ever wrote. The songwriting, flow, and catchiness of these two are superb beyond words.

Largely Wyrd's, 'Huldrafolk' was a completely original sound at the time with really no one sounding alike, though since then many bands have arose with probably Maine, USA based band, Falls of Rauros being the most elite among them.

Years later, Nargath has eight albums behind himself now, but most of the newer stuff doesn't appeal to me much and this one remains my favorite as well as one of my most cherished black metal albums overall.