FEJD

As the vocals start after the intro I’m transported to In Extremo territory but as soon as the instruments start this feels different. Like the German band’s early work there are no electric guitars to be found here, just acoustic and traditional instruments which puts them firmly in the medieval/ pagan camp of music. Hailing from Sweden, as I listen to the album, I’m reminded of the shadow of Quorthon and Bathory (Viking era) – with the singing. There’s that almost out of tune but with passion to the end of some of the vocal lines. I’m a big believer that ‘with passion’ beats ‘technical proficiency’ every time! Saying that, this is a well played album and one that will not disappoint, whether you’re a fan of the genre or not. The production is crisp and clear, but that rough around the edges vocal style keeps Fejd sounding relevant in the genre and gives the album a live feel. Alvorna Dansar introduces female vocals and is one of the highlights of the album evoking a feel of Clannad circa ‘Robin The Hooded Man’, except maybe a bit more up tempo. Fejd certainly seem to be able to keep the heroic chorus’s up in songs like ‘Vid Jore A’ which makes this band sound familiar even on a first listen and because of this immediately likeable. Signed to Napalm records this is Fejd’s debut album and will surely give them a good footing to carry on for many years. In a market that has been flooded over the years, Fejd stand out with good songs and a real sense of who they are as a band.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Napalm Records

Album

STORM

Review by Paul Sims

RUNNING TIME:

59:52

RELEASE DATE:

30th March 2009

TRACK LISTING

1) Offerrök
2) Svanesång
3) Älvorna Dansar
4) Vid Jore Å
5) Egils Polska
6) Storm
7) Varg i Veum
8) Äril
9) Skuld
10) Likfärd
11) Bergakungen
12) Morgonstjärnan

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Sweden

"The production is crisp and clear, but that rough around the edges vocal style keeps Fejd sounding relevant in the genre and gives the album a live feel."