Trondheim’s Lumsk [Norwegian for ‘tricky’] enwraps central concepts from rural folk music into a distinct rock expression and to a certain extent Viking-styled black metal. Inspired by the illustrations of Gerhard Munthe, Lumsk wanted to do something with the medieval ballad Åsmund Fregdegjævar, an old folk tale from the region of Telemark, and the result is the epic Åsmund Fregdegjævar. Lumsk’s radiates memories of Storm’s masterpiece Nordavind album from 1995 and occasionally Vintersorg, but this ensemble moreover relies on organic string arrangements. A British relative would be latter days Skyclad.
The female vocalist is enhanced with a delightful resemblance to Kari Rueslåtten (ex The 3rd And The Mortal/Storm), and her bewitchment is probably the biggest attraction on this piece of work. Track such as “Hår som Spunnid Gull” and “Slepp Mig” could easily have been present on one of Kari’s solo albums.
The musicians supply the drama with an equally skilled performance, but the musical concept fails to unite the folk music parts and the metal direction. It would be beneficial if Lumsk would kindly distract from the alienating and synthetic metal influx and thus reflect wholeheartedly on the intermingling of folk music and rock. When used effectively, Lumsk ranks themselves on the same level as Storm, but the tension ultimately decreases.
As much as I respect and appreciate Lumsk’s sonic tales, I gradually happen to loose interest in their music despite the fact that the audible intersections are never-static and never-replicating. Lumsk’s emerges as original, but their visions are far too ambitious and incoherent. Fewer tracks – the best of the best – are highly recommended. Quality above quantity.
Lolk
Metal-Referance.com
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