SKALD – Vitterland
- by Robin Syversen
- Posted on 16-10-2011
Comparing oneself to Otyg might be disastrous. Especially when the reviewer, as I do, holds Otyg to be the pinnacle of their own genre. Skald is definitely of the same mold, but is lacking in most aspects when compared to Otyg. The biggest difference is the merging between metal and folk music which somehow doesn’t seem as convincing when Skald does it. I might be strict here, but there is something about the attitude displayed by Otyg that to me is unsurpassable.
To break it down, the production on “Vitterland” is shadier. It’s not bad considering its genre, but still, could be better. The folk music isn’t particularly original, and the vocal performance is also less appealing to me. It is tough to be compared to Mr. Hedlund, but the punkish vocal on “Vitterland” is closer to our own “Glittertind” than the earcandy Mr. Hedlund hands out to innocent metalheads to lure them into his cave, for god knows what.
To be fair, “Vitterland” has a handful of decent melodies that works well throughout the album. You have to appreciate the somewhat shady feel that usually comes with the early exploits of folk metal bands. If you frequently lend your ears to the previously mentioned Glittertind or Storm (No) (for those who remember this Norwegian folk metal gem) you might find pleasure in listening to “Vitterland”. Personally I find this too predictable and forgettable. With some improvement upon their next release, Skald could rise to greatness though, but for now, I am not convinced.