Viddernas tolv kapitel

The musical paths of Lönndom’s members have gone through various phases, crossing black metal (Armagedda), simplier rock (LIK), and folk metal with Lönndom. Last year Lönndom unleashed Viddernas Tolv Kapitel, a pure folk album consisting of nothing but acoustic guitars and clean singing. While black metal related bands can do acoustic albums outstandingly (think of Drudkh’s 2006 effort), I am not so sure about Viddernas Tolv Kapitel.

Atmospherically, everything is in its right place here, sounding all natural and woody. This is a proper dive into autumnal melancholy and beauty. But the problem here is that none of the compositions really stand out in any way - surely there are various good melody patterns (e.g. ”En vår är kommen”) but otherwise this one hour monster is in stagnation. And here comes my oh so common rant: one hour is a too long playing time for simple acoustic strummings with almost zero variation. Vocals are masculine and chant-like, there’s definitely emotion in them; but on the other hand I feel that they don’t always properly fit to the actual music. Some compositions I would have enjoyed much more if they were solely instrumental.

Viddernas Tolv Kapitel is surely crafted carefully and most definitely has its fans, but personally I find it somewhat uninviting. If or when I am to pick an acoustic album to enjoy on a quiet day with a cup of tea, it would be some other than Viddernas Tolv Kapitel. I still believe, however, than Lönndom are able to surprise, knowing the members’ history of shifting musical styles, so perhaps their next album will surprise me more positively.

2 / 5
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