Album Review: Skáld – Huldufólk (Universal)

The French Nordic-themed cultural collective that is Skáld will release ‘Huldufólk’, a 12-track anthology that tackles Scandinavian history and pagan anecdotes across Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland, keeping the folk traditions of yesteryears alive. It is out on January 20th, 2023, via Universal.

There’s certainly been a bit of rise in prominence of this style of music in recent times. Folkish and pagan-esqe, music that draws from ancient times and pasts, often utilising traditional instruments of a period or culture, and almost always having as much historical value as it does musical.

Yet, few do it quite as well as Skáld.

The collective doesn’t just deliver on the promise of melody-driven ancient atmosphere but make the journey more of an adventure. It’s an enlightening and extremely exciting experience that unifies folkish melodies, anthemic highs and dramatic lows. The instrumental attractiveness in perfect harmony with a variety of voices. Each adding layers of impact, grasping the listener by the hand, leading us through moments of tense gloom and brilliant brightness.

Huldufólk features 12-tracks and it’s 12 unforgettable experiences. From the thumping call to arms that is Troll Kalla Mik, to the energised folk memorability of Ljósálfur, to the moving melodies of Mánin Líður, and the anthemic Ríðum, Ríðum. The first 3rd of the album will have most completely sold on the effective brilliance of this record.

Yet, it just gets better and better as it goes on. The more time spent in the company of Skáld, the more captivating the experience becomes.

Take something like Hinn Mikli Dreki as an example. A short piece but one that is particularly haunting, thanks to the isolated vocal performance. Or how about the emotional melody of Då Månen Sken? One of the album’s most affecting tracks.

Then there is the intense Elverhøy, where a faster tempo makes this feel like a hunt… or a chase. Followed then by the ethereal beauty of Her Mannelig, the atmospheric score-like Rauður Loginn Brann, and poignant intermission of Trollslaget. Track after track of addictive brilliance that keeps the feet well and truly rooted in ancient and historical times.

How about a cover of Rammstein’s iconic hit, Du Hast, for a penultimate track though? Unexpected and very cool, Skáld certainly give it their own unique spin. Making it sound so different but not messing with the formula too much. Before ending in spectacular melodic style with The Cure’s A Forest, a track that is tinged with sadness but is so impressively structured, that all most will feel is awe. What a brilliant cover.

This style of music isn’t for everyone, that’s no secret, but Skáld are making the kind that has more wide-spread appeal. Huldufólk is a triumph of a release, one that mesmerises from the very start, right up until the very end.

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