Norwegian band GLITTERTIND was formed back in 2001, originally the creative vehicle of then sole member Torbjørn Sandvik. From 2008 and onwards this project has developed into a true band effort however, and as of 2010 they had six permanent members. “Djevelsvart” is Glittertind’s fifth full length albums, and was released in the late fall of 2013.
It’s nice to write about music people haven’t actually sent me to write about for a change. It is something I feel the need to do now and then, especially when the influx of promo material has been extensive and I’m fairly overwhelmed with all the impressions from the fairly varied musical grounds I cover on an obligation basis.
In the case of Glittertind we’re dealing with a band that have reached out to folk music for inspiration, and have done a good job of placing it into a somewhat different context altogether. I see the band has been described as folk metal by others, but personally I don’t hear that much metal as such in their material, and would rather describe them as a hard rock band with folk and metal elements I guess. Not quite as sophisticated in nature as much of the other material I generally cover, but well made, smooth and effective compositions is something the guys in Glittertind are masters of.
The folk basis in their material isn’t all that obvious all the time. While not an expert myself I’d hazard a guess that certain melody and harmony details have somewhat of a basis there, and in the more obvious department there are quite a few flute details and some, unless I’m much mistaken, accordion elements that caters for the majority of the instrumentation with a basis in folk music. Acoustic guitars and piano aren’t folk music instruments per se, but the manner in which they are employed also indicates folk music references, hence my aforementioned description on melodies and harmonies. The most distinct folk music detail throughout, at least to my ears, are the lead vocals however. In terms of vocal melodies to some extent and mode of expression most of all. Thoughts of good, old Norwegian band YM-Stammen often came to mind in the lead and backing vocals department here.
Musically Glittertind alternates between energetic, harder edged songs and ballads. The latter brings bands such as aforementioned Ym-Stammen to mind and to some extent Lumsk as well, atmospheric smooth constructions with distinct details that conjures strong association to folk music amidst the more contemporary ballad oriented arrangements and compositional structures. With some nifty dramatic details thrown in now and then, the almost Wagnerian final phase of Stjerneslør that eventually fades out to a frail backing vocals and organ construction an elegant manner in which to conclude a ballad. The frail end piece Utgang also documents that Glittertind knows know how to to pen a piano instrumental, this slow paced melancholic composition a brilliant display of how to use single note resonances to conjure a strong and distinct atmosphere.
When Glittertind hone in on material of a harder edged nature, they incorporate details that reminds me of bands like Gåte and Kvelertak, in a smooth and energetic blend that also include references to 70’s hard rock and arguably some alternative metal to boot. There’s even some instrument details reminding ever so slightly of post rock in the instrumental passage of title track Djevelsvart. It’s a likable mix of at times radically different details cooked together in a tasty stew, and apart from the for some arguably alienating Norwegian language vocals only one that should see the band get a lot of attention also outside of the borders of Norway.
One might describe Glittertind’s latest disc in a number of different manners, folk (hard) rock or folk metal the most obvious choices I guess, but no matter what box you’d want to place them in the end result is a compelling one. At least to those who enjoy bands that incorporate ancient musical traditions into a more contemporary context in general and rock and metal amongst those in particular. Easily available to check out too, as I was able to cover this CD thanks to the services of Spotify.
My rating: 88/100
