Midnattens widunder cover

Midnattens widunder

Finntroll · 1999

30 min · 9 tracks · folk metal

A blend of Finnish folk melodies and aggressive metal, creating a cacophony of mythical storytelling and energetic rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Svartberg — This track showcases the band's signature blend of melodic folk elements with heavy riffs, encapsulating the thematic essence of nature and mythical tales.
  • →
    Blodnatt — With its driving rhythms and catchy hooks, this song exemplifies the perfect balance between aggression and melody that defines Finntroll's sound.
  • →
    Midnattens widunder — The title track combines atmospheric instrumentation with guttural vocals, effectively embodying the album's exploration of folklore and dark themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

Finntroll's debut blends folk and metal effectively, showcasing their unique sound while still developing their identity.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with an instrumental intro that sets a dark, atmospheric tone before launching into aggressive guitar riffs and folk melodies.
  • The song structures often incorporate tempo changes, with several tracks shifting from fast-paced sections to slower, more melodic passages.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady energy for focused listening
  • mythical themes for adventurous spirits
  • short tracks for quick bursts
  • engaging rhythms for active participation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking slow, reflective moments
  • prefer longer, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1999, Midnattens widunder is Finntroll's debut album, laying the foundation for their distinctive sound that merges folk elements with metal. At this point, the band was still forming its identity, drawing on traditional Finnish music while integrating heavy metal influences, which would characterize their subsequent releases.
Stylistic neighbors
Korpiklaani· Ensiferum· Eluveitie

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro 1:56
  • 2 Svartberg 4:06
  • 3 Rivfader 4:08
  • 4 Vätteanda 4:35
  • 5 Bastuvisan 1:18
  • 6 Blodnatt 5:11
  • 7 Midnattens widunder 4:40
  • 8 Segersång 1:58
  • 9 Svampfest 2:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata