Upon beginning this review, it quickly became apparent that typing the words into my computer was somehow an injustice to this album — there is some force about Jordpuls that pulls back to things more natural, and less synthetic. In fact, it was impossible to write until I pulled out pen and paper, opened the windows, and let the sounds and smells of the woods surround me. And yet, in its finished form, this review will be displayed on a glaring monitor, words and letters merely precisely measured and perfectly tinted pixels. What a strange juxtaposition…or is it? After all, if you take the time to think about it, it’s fitting — the organic and manufactured alongside one another, pulling away yet simultaneously bonding — as this is the essence of the music of Vintersorg.

For those unfamiliar with Vintersorg, the band’s output can be described as folk/pagan metal with twinges of black metal dabbed in, all the while never lacking in unique melodies or soundscapes. There is an overwhelmingly organic quality to Vintersorg‘s music, which is intriguing considering the group’s overt use of keyboards and a drum machine. Perhaps it’s a combination of the simultaneously real yet otherworldly voice of Mr. V (otherwise known as Andreas Hedlund or the guy who replaced ICS Vortex in Borknagar) and the expert welding of organic and synthetic sounds that lends to create music that seems as though from both the earth and the skies. Rooting in blackened folk metal, Vintersorg‘s material took an experimental, progressive twist toward the middle of the band’s career, but has since careened into a comfortable groove that houses both effortlessly.

With Jordpuls, the first things noticeable to the trained ear are the signature folk flourishes and intricately and intelligently written songs. It is also hard to avoid the album’s similarity to, yet growth from, Solens Rotter, and its overall uplifting spirit. Specifically with tracks such as “Klippor Och Skär,” “Mörk Nebulosa” and “Skogen Sover,” gorgeous soaring melodies are prevalent, and others, including “Världsalltets Fanfar” and “Till Dånet Av Forsar Och Fall,” showcase a strong attachment to classic Vintersorg ideals — harsh moments of black metal, folk-inspired guitar work and flowing progressive movements.

Perhaps the best aspect of Jordpuls is the ability of all its components to work together fluidly and effortlessly. The incredible amount of detail poured into each section of any given track from Jordpuls, whether it be the keyboard or vocal layers, drum fills or guitar patterns, is a testament to the dedication shown by the members of Vintersorg. After years upon years of creating detailed and visionary music, it really is no surprise that Mr. V and Mattias Marklund have gotten all the kinks twisted, oiled or ironed out, though. It’s quite a good thing that the men behind the music spent time seeking out and traversing roads less traveled, picking up fragments of their journey along the way, ultimately to return to the road leading home wiser and more familiar with its bumps and grooves than ever before.

[Visit the band's website]

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