Album Review: Svartsot – Kumbl (Mighty Music)

Beer-soaked folk metallers Svartsot will release their 5th album, Kumbl (an old Danish word meaning ‘monument’ or ‘memorial’) on February 25th, 2022 via Mighty Music. A collection of traditional folk songs that have inspired the band, reworked in Svartsot’s characteristic style.

Featuring 12 tracks of folk and late medieval songs from Denmark and across Northern Europe but reimagined as heavy head-bangers. Kumbl is pure folk-metal joy, one that feels and sounds particularly removed from time but is still metal focused enough to draw in that side of a fanbase. Basically, you’ll be dancing a jig while head-banging to the thumping metal rhythm.

It’s the basis in reality that makes Kumbl a more interesting listen and finding out more about each particular track is a lot of fun. Take Carmen Vernale as an early example. A song from around 1500, written by Morten Børup, cantor at Aarhus Cathedral, praising the arrival of spring and performed in the original Latin — the melody is played each hour by the bells of Aarhus Townhall.

That is fascinating and while you (like us) may have no association with the original melody, Svartsot make their metal version thoroughly listenable. Especially as the vocals sit on the more ‘deathy’ side of metal.

While traditional folk and metal have made for great bedfellows over the decades, Svartsot can proudly say they are making it sound fresh again. At times, quite savage sounding while at others, peaceful and harmonious.

Highlights include the excellent folk transition to groovy and chugging metal riffing that comes on Kragevisen. The frenetic pacing of Liden Kirsten, turning the traditional Danish folk ballad into something so much more. Guest vocalist Andrea Uglebjerg (Danish punk band Situationsfornærmelse) adds some different layers to the catchy Rottefængeren. Though one of the most fascinating tracks is Drømte Mig En Drøm. A mellow and melodic elaboration on the oldest recorded Danish song, being handed down in a runic manuscript from ca. 1300. How simply amazing is that?

This is more than just a great folk-metal album, it’s an epic history lesson!

Svartsot – Kumbl Full Track Listing:

1. Den Hoboeken Dans
2. Nu Stander Landen I Våde
3. Carmen Vernale
4. Ebbe Skammelsøn
5. Kragevisen
6. Villemand
7. Liden Kirsten
8. Rottefængeren
9. Den Store Stygge Stimand
10. Drømte Mig En Drøm
11. Ramund
12. De To Ravne

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