Finntroll: The Pioneers of Folk-Infused Extreme Metal

Finntroll is a Finnish metal band renowned for forging a unique and chaotic sound by blending black metal with humppa, a traditional Finnish polka rhythm. Formed in Helsinki in 1997, the group has released seven studio albums, with their 2007 record Ur Jordens Djup achieving notable chart success in their home country.

Early career

The band was founded by guitarist Somnium and vocalist Katla, drawing initial inspiration from a joke about a troll playing black metal. Their 1999 debut demo, Rivfader, and subsequent 2001 debut album, Midnattens Widunder, on Spinefarm Records, established their signature "troll metal" sound. This early work combined aggressive guitar riffs and harsh vocals with accordion melodies and folk themes rooted in Finnish mythology.

Breakthrough

Finntroll's breakthrough arrived with their third album, Nattfödd, released in 2004 through Century Media Records. The album refined their formula and garnered significant international attention within the extreme metal scene, solidifying their cult status. It entered the Finnish album chart at number 14, marking their first major commercial recognition.

Key tracks

Trollhammaren — This single's iconic music video and infectious humppa riff made it the band's most recognizable anthem.

Jaktens Tid — The title track from their 2001 sophomore album perfectly encapsulates their early, raw fusion of folk melody and metal aggression.

Nedgång — A key track from Ur Jordens Djup, showcasing a darker, more atmospheric side of their songwriting.

Forsen — This instrumental piece highlights the band's skill in creating evocative, folk-driven soundscapes.

Under Bergets Rot — A later career track demonstrating their evolved, more complex compositional style from the 2020 album Vredesvävd.

Despite facing a tragic setback with the passing of guitarist Teemu "Somnium" Raimoranta in 2003, the band persevered. They continued to release acclaimed albums like Ur Jordens Djup (2007), which peaked at number 12 in Finland, and Nifelvind (2010), which reached number 17. Their lineup stabilized around longtime members like vocalist Vreth and guitarist Routa, leading to 2020's Vredesvävd on Century Media.

For fans of Finntroll's distinctive style, other Finnish acts exploring folk and extreme metal include Korpiklaani with their upbeat, party-oriented folk metal. Moonsorrow creates epic, sprawling pagan metal soundscapes. Ensiferum merges melodic death metal with heroic folk themes. Turisas offers a more theatrical, battle-themed approach to the genre.

Finntroll's energetic and unique catalog ensures their music is a staple on specialty metal radio stations and online radio streams dedicated to extreme and folk metal genres. Their songs frequently appear in rotations that celebrate innovative fusions of traditional music with heavy guitar-driven sounds.

Listeners can explore the chaotic and folkish world of Finntroll through the radio stations featured on onairium.com, where their music is regularly broadcast for fans of inventive extreme metal.