Triakel cover

Triakel

Triakel · 1998

42 min · 12 tracks · traditional folk music

A vibrant tapestry of Swedish folk, weaving together rich melodies and harmonies that evoke a sense of tradition and storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Gammel Sara / Old Sara — This opening track introduces listeners to Triakel's lush vocal harmonies and intricate instrumentation, setting the tone for the entire album.
  • →
    I himmelen / In Paradise — With its poignant lyrics and sweeping melodies, this song captures the essence of longing found throughout the album while showcasing the group's ability to evoke deep emotions.
  • →
    Tusen tankar / A Thousand Thoughts — This extended piece allows for an exploration of musical layers and dynamics, illustrating Triakel's skillful arrangement and commitment to storytelling through song.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album effectively revives traditional Swedish folk through varied tempos and rich harmonies, appealing to both contemporary and traditional audiences.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns, emphasizing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
  • The tempo varies significantly across the album, with some tracks maintaining a lively pace while others adopt a more reflective tone.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • vibrant storytelling through melody
  • warm gatherings with friends
  • nostalgic reflections on traditions
  • brief moments of joyful celebration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer high-energy music
  • want heavy production values

Where this album fits

Career context
Triakel's debut album arrived in 1998, marking the beginning of the trio's exploration of traditional Swedish folk music. At this point in their career, they sought to revive and reinterpret classic songs, connecting contemporary audiences with cultural heritage. This release laid the groundwork for their future projects and solidified their place within the folk music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Väsen· Garmarna· Hedningarna

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Gammel Sara / Old Sara 4:09
  • 2 I himmelen / In Paradise 4:03
  • 3 I fjol gjett je gjeita / Last Year 1:53
  • 4 Tusen tankar / A Thousand Thoughts 6:45
  • 5 Mjölnarens måg / The Miller's Son-in-Law 2:32
  • 6 Oväntad bröllopsgäst / The Unexpected Wedding-Guest 3:57
  • 7 Om dagen står du städs för mig / All Day Long You're On My Mind 2:51
  • 8 Alla gossar / The Birthday Party 3:11
  • 9 Födelsedagsfesten / All The Young Men 3:21
  • 10 Lapp-Nils polska 2:06
  • 11 Lejonbruden / The Lion and the Bride 3:17
  • 12 En vacker vän / A Fair Young Love 4:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata