Gjallarhorn

"Ranarop" is the call of Ran the Sea Witch in Nordic mythology. It's also a fitting name for this album by Gjallarhorn, a Finnish folk group whose intense sound evokes a siren's call. Singer/fiddler Jenny Wilhelms leads the quartet in traditional dances and ballads from the Swedish-speaking people of Finland, along with evocative instrumentals penned by the band. Fiddles, viola, digeridoo, and Wilhelms' keening voice conjure images of a turbulent sea goddess, particularly on songs like "I Fjol Sa (Last Year)" and "Sjojungfrun Och Konungadottern (The Mermaid & The Princess)." Gjallarhorn's instrumentals, such as "O-vals (Non-Waltz)" blend some contemporary influences into the sonic tapestry, but contribute to the overall hypnotic, faraway feel of Ranarop. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi