Event:	Finntroll: UK Tour
Written by:	Baz Anderson
Published:	26.09.2009
Galleries:	Finntroll, Battlelore - Nottingham, England, 25th September 2009 by Baz Anderson (28)

Only two bands tonight, two Finnish bands. Even half an hour before the doors opening there was no sign of a queue forming outside. Clearly this was going to be one of those intimate shows that more often than not make up for some of the most enjoyable and memorable you can have.

The show took place in the smallest room of the venue and was the first of the UK tour. The room had filled up quite well by the time Battlelore stepped onto the stage. It was clear that this band didn't quite know how they would be received by how reserved the band kicked off the show. As soon as the audience started cheering in between songs, the irrepressible smiles of the band's faces showed clear relief and joy that the show would be a good one.



Musically the band aren't one of the best bands out there doing this kind of music, the live environment gives their music a different feel also. The female vocals have less emphasis live, entirely for the fact that they never seem to be so high in the mix and are sometimes drowned out. The same applies to the keyboards and symphonies of the band. Frontman Tomi knew his stuff as he made reference to the merry men and Sherwood Forest of Nottinghamshire, something every other band seems to forget as they play in Nottingham. The band's performance although extremely warmly appreciated by the audience was mostly uninteresting. "We Are The Legions" gave the audience something to headbang to, but in general the set showed how this aspiring and enthusiastic band need to develop their interesting songwriting skills more than just take for granted the credit they gain from playing this kind of current and popular metal genre.



The room had filled to the maximum by the time Finntroll took the stage. Everyone in this tiny room had made the effort to come down and see this band, so inevitably everyone enjoyed themselves. Finntroll were fantastic, there is no debate about it, they put on a show to remember tonight. Last time Finntroll were in Nottingham it was two years ago supporting Amon Amarth in the exact same room. This time they had the headlining slot and were on the stage for an hour and a quarter. Two years ago they were touring for their newly released album, this time around they had no album to promote and so their full set was a montage of all the best Finntroll songs from over the years. New singer Vreth has also been in the band for much longer and has now seems completely comfortable on stage as part of the band. Confidence was very high on stage, and rightly so as the audience made a lot of noise.



Songs from each album were shown the light of day, and although their albums are all quite different from each other the set was sealed together brilliantly. The inevitable "Trollhammaren" raised the biggest cheer of the evening, but was not used to close the set, instead was much better placed half way through. The following song was a brand new song from the upcoming album expected to be released at the beginning of next year. Tough song to follow, but this new song was actually in some ways even better. They apparently messed it up, although we couldn't tell because it all sounded quite chaotic, but this new song sounded a little more Ensiferum-like but was still clearly trademark Finntroll with lots of wacky instruments and rhythmic drumming. Perhaps the highest point of the night was the band's closing song; the band played a faster, metal version of their acoustic song "Försvinn Du Som Lyser" which provided a reminder of just how enjoyable live music can be.



Finntroll made an absolutely superb night as they acted and played more confidently than ever. Certainly a show to remember for a long time. This was the first date of the tour, in the next five days there are five more shows over the UK. If you find yourself near one, or even if you don't, get to one of these shows!



For an interview with Vreth conducted before the show, visit this location.

Many thanks to Dante & Imran of Spinefarm and Sarah of Century Media for the accreditation and interview.
Written, and photos by Barry Anderson