#41 - Top of 2018

Grimner - Vanadrottning (Despotz Records)

The 2018 Best Albums countdown kicks of with a great viking folk band which released its third full length album year. Grimner march from Sweden showing us that they can blend clean (Martin The Warrior) and brutal (Ted The Jarl) vocals with folk notes from a range of traditional musical instruments and heavy guitar riffs! "En fallen jätte" and "Fafnersbane" are awesome examples of uplifting folk songs that don't need to be in English to make you wanna sing along. The title song "Vanadrottning" has some amazing guitar riffs that perfectly mix with powerful vocals. "En vilja av järn" showcases the folk elements (by Johan The Blacksmith) and the chorus vocals while "Avundas hennes ungdom" and "Dödens dans" are more classic quick-paced folk songs (with great sing-along points). "Kvällningssång" is a highlight of the album packed with awesome flute melodies that are again mixed with great vocals and is followed by the heavier "Vårt blod, våra liv" which some more epic elements to the record. "Ägers salar" adds a more heavy/symphonic note with melodic guitars and great brutal vocals which is followed by the personal favourite of the record "Sången om grimner" thanks to its even more epic vibe! "Freja vakar" is a great finishing touch  (with catchy guitar riffs) that wraps-up this is engaging folk elegy and kick-starts our 2018 top albums countdown!


91/100

Below is the official music video for the song "En fallen jätte".