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Jordpuls, the new album by Vintersorg, is a tough album to quantify. The Folk Metal genre doesn't restrict bands to one particular sound so you can get everything from Black Metal screeches to hand bells and acoustic guitars. This is the case with Jordpuls. I have to admit that, at first, I didn't know what to make of the album and was frankly unimpressed with its lack of bottom end and its musical schizophrenia. But the more I listened, the more I began to appreciate the rich melodies and layered harmonies of the clean vocals (which is the dominant vocal style) as well as the medieval instruments like cellos, bells, flutes, etc.

There are some problems with Jordpuls that no amount of melody can cover up. The aforementioned lack of bass makes for a somewhat thin sound and the songwriting is unimaginative at times. The first two tracks on the album are so similar, they sound as if they should have been two parts of one longer song. And when the clean vocals really start harmonizing, I can't help be reminded a little of Van Canto. On the positive side, by the time the album rolls around to "Skogen Sover" the songwriting and vocal abilities of the band start to come together to produce some mesmerizing Folk Metal. The voices and guitars intertwine to create a medieval feel that would make Blind Guardian jealous. Jordpuls is one of those albums that get better as it goes along.

All the songs on Jordpuls at least flirt with Black Metal, but this album is far from raw. It is a mixed bag, not only in style, but in quality. The good stuff is quite good while the rest is bland. Nevertheless, Folk Metal fans, especially those who appreciate the lighter end of the spectrum, should check out Jordpuls.