Nifelvind cover

Nifelvind

Finntroll · 2010

45 min · 11 tracks · folk metal

An exhilarating blend of folk melodies and black metal fury that captures the spirit of Nordic mythology.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Solsagan — This track features a captivating melody intertwined with powerful guitar riffs, exemplifying the band's signature sound while carrying a narrative deeply rooted in folklore.
  • →
    Ett norrskensdåd — With its dynamic shifts between melodic interludes and intense passages, this song serves as an excellent representation of the album's thematic depth and musical variety.
  • →
    Dråp — As the longest track on the album, it encapsulates an epic tale through intricate arrangements and fierce instrumentation, making it a standout piece that highlights Finntroll’s storytelling prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Nifelvind showcases strong composition and production, blending folk and metal effectively while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief instrumental intro that sets a dark, atmospheric tone before launching into high-energy tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate tempo shifts, alternating between fast-paced sections and slower, more melodic passages.
  • The final track concludes with an extended outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 pacing with climactic moments
  • mythic themes for immersive journeys
  • infectious melodies for sing-alongs
  • whirlwind energy for active listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 17, 2010, Nifelvind is Finntroll's fifth studio album, coming after their 2007 release, Ur Jordens Djup. The band was solidifying their position in the folk metal scene, having gained recognition for their unique blend of aggressive metal with traditional Finnish folk elements. This album showcases their continued evolution and commitment to expanding their sound within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Korpiklaani· Ensiferum· Eluveitie

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Blodmarsch (intro) 2:11
  • 2 Solsagan 4:31
  • 3 Den frusna munnen 4:04
  • 4 Ett norrskensdåd 3:34
  • 5 I trädens sång 3:45
  • 6 Tiden utan tid 4:58
  • 7 Galgasång 3:44
  • 8 Mot skuggornas värld 4:43
  • 9 Under bergets rot 3:27
  • 10 Fornfamnad 3:42
  • 11 Dråp 7:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata