Album Review: Brothers of Metal - Fimbulvinter
Reviewed by Chris Taylor
When writing power metal, you typically have two choices. You either embrace the silliness or you go full epic. It certainly isn’t unheard of for bands to try and do both at the same time but it’s a difficult balance to get right. One band that has consistently been able to maintain that delicate balance of silly yet epic are Swedish eight piece Brothers of Metal. First exploding into the power metal world in 2017 with the excellent Prophecy of Ragnarok, followed by the even better Emblas Saga in 2020, Brothers of Metal have gained a rather substantial cult following with their norse inspired power metal that is equal parts full of impact and scope, and occasional tongue and cheek lyrics and attitude that embrace how ludicrous this genre of metal can be.
Given Brothers of Metal’s unique strength at balancing these tones it’s once again the band’s focus on their new album Fimbulvinter. Fans of the band will find everything they loved before on album number three so if that still works for you then you’ll have plenty to enjoy here, as well as few new ideas from the band as well.
Not messing around with any preamble the opening track Sowilo has all the Brother’s of Metal hallmarks and before the first chorus makes it’s appearance you’re already fully drawn into the triumphant sound that this band does so well.
Tracks like Giantslayer are magnificent as it lifts and falls in its rhythm giving it such power, and a chorus that feels like you’re riding into battle whereas Nanna’s Fate is one of the most stirring power metal ballads heard in recent years. Whatever the speed of the song in question, Fimbulvinter has power and presence throughout the whole package.
But the highlight of the album once again is the masterful vocal work. With three vocalists Brothers of Metal certainly are able to represent much of the vocal spectrum, however as usual Ylva Eriksson is the clear standout. Her epic vocal delivery has been the synonymous sound of Brothers of Metal from the beginning, and she is better than ever on Fimbulvinter.
Pushing her range further than ever before she provides much of the music’s impact. Whether channeling her inner Floor Jansen on the more symphonic Flight of the Ravens or the more upbeat ballad Rivers of Gold she is undoubtedly the star of the show.
That’s not to dismiss the talent of her two co vocalists, Joakim Lindbäck Eriksson and Mats Nilsson. However it does feel like their presence in the music has been substantially pushed back on Fimbulvinter. Joakim is more of a supporting vocalist here, and to be fair he is excellent in that role. The grit he gives pairs with Ylva perfectly giving a very full sound to the vocals, and during the rare moments where he is given the spotlight he more than delivers such as on Heart of Stone. Joakim however is used much more sparingly here than on previous albums so if his spoken word sections were a highlight for you they are very few and far between here.
Fimbulvinter also sees Brothers of Metal try to incorporate some newer ideas for their music. The previously mentioned Rivers of Gold is a more upbeat ballad compared to their more mournful epics of the past like Yggdrasil, and Blood Red Sky is an album highlight as an irresistibly catchy shanty style song with vocals, guitar and orchestra dancing round an infectious beat.
Not everything new is a success though. Power Metal Viking is certainly a notable attempt at something different but it is clearly the weak link on the album. A more 80’s inspired metal track sounds like a solid idea to add some variety but unfortunately the track itself is lacking. It feels somewhat halfhearted and generic and sounds like a rejected Beast in Black song.
That’s your only real negative from the album though. Fimbulvinter is another solid album from Brothers of Metal by bringing in what they do so well but also being bold enough to bring in some new ideas to their sound. As consistent as power metal is if it’s a sound you enjoy, the complacency can often be a detriment to rising bands. To hear a band spread their wings on an album and hit more often than miss is a breath of fresh air. Brothers of Metal may not take themselves too seriously with the odd jokey lyric here and there, but the one thing they clearly take very seriously is the music itself. Fimbulvinter checks all the boxes: epic, bold, fun and powerful. It’s been quite the year for power metal, but this one is right up there with the best of them.
