Thanks to the rather lengthy queue at the merchandise stall, I didn’t catch very much of Amoral so I’m not sure how much of my opinion counts, but what I did see was a relatively enjoyable blend of extreme metal – although I’m not too sure where to categorise it – sitting somewhere on the fence between thrash, death and black metal. Needless to say, the crowd seemed to be interested, even if they weren’t quite as interested as the lead singer wanted them to be – occasionally showing his frustration at the lack of carnage from the crowd.

Once Naglfar take to the stage however there is much more of a buzz from the crowd. They have no problems bringing their no-nonsense brand of extreme black metal this evening, tearing through 5 or 6 tracks, whilst their lead singer – quite clearly a few biscuits short of a tin – makes evil glares at the audience and mutters incantations & obscenities to himself in between songs. Despite not knowing the material I was impressed with the bands’ energy - and the sound for once, was crisp and defined for the Underworld PA system.

Now it always strikes me as a rather odd choice when bands like Finntroll, although rooted in Black Metal, pick extreme acts such as these for support, when they themselves are a particularly uplifting and fun band to listen to. Nevertheless, it doesn’t do any damage to the mood, and within seconds of the Disney-esque intro track “Bakom Varje Fura” kicking in, the whole venue is gathered together and pogoing on the spot in perfect timing.

The larger than life giant of a man that is Wilska bounds on stage with the rest of the band - and things kick off to an impressively high octane start with the first track. The entire venue breaks into what can only be described as a cross between a jig and a polka dance - mixed with a heady dose of moshing, but a more fun variety than your usual meatheaded “let’s kill people” antics. This pretty much sets the pace of things for the 1st half of their set – before people start getting knackered of course (myself included).

Despite the 2nd half of the set being weighted towards their latest, and somewhat disappointing release “Nattfodd”, Finntroll for the most part roll out the classics this evening - no stone is left unturned from their back catalogue (bar the criminally overlooked b-sides from the “Trollhammaren EP”) meaning we get to hear a good variety of songs from their career of eclectic, bouncy folk metal anthems. Indeed, they even play the popular “Trollhammaren” very early on, proving they have faith in their album material. Highlight of the evening for me is hearing “Jaktens Tid” and “Midnattens Widunder” back to back – two of my all time favourite tunes.

Again the sound is excellent, which is essential when most of Finntroll’s material is set at such a blistering pace. Pretty much every huumpa beat, accordion sample and guitar riff can be heard this evening. The band seem happy to be on stage, and that’s always half the battle. Wilska proclaims “I’ve had a really shitty day, but you guys have reminded me why we do this!” - cheesy I know, but who cares! Their positive attitude adds to a great atmosphere and enhances the fun tenfold - fun being the operative word here – Wilska even takes a moment to get the crowd singing for him – singing “Happy Birthday” to his tour manager that is!

Once the band return for the encore and rip through two tracks from their debut album, everyone is suitably knackered, but safe in the knowledge that they’ve had a damn good time – and really, what more can you ask? I eagerly await the “Thirteenth Day” festival in July so I can see Finntroll once more, and have an equal portion of insane metal merriment.

Setlist:
Bakom Varje Fura (Intro)
Kitteldags
Slaget vid Blodsalv
Fiskarens Fiende
Trollhammaren
Jaktens Tid
Midnattens Widunder
Grottans Barn
Nattfodd
Skogens Hamnd
Ursvamp
Eliytres
Det Iskalla Trollblodet
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Rivfader
Segersång

Overall Score:   8 /10