Search - Hedningarna :: 1989-2003

The equals of any big name in world music

Ulven | australia | 11/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Swedish/Finnish band have a scratchy/droning sound.The instruments are raw/earthy, but so brilliantly made and played that you do not get the inaccuracy and uneveness of many traditional world-music instruments.They send electricity thru these, to add a heavy rock element which is evident in most of their albums.They have a keen sense of nature.Often the dark side of nature, but sensitive nevertheless.Their lyrics are often from the viewpoint of wolves, horses and wilderness humans.The female singers from Finland are beautifully uninhibited.In some songs they're expressive of childhood innocence, and in others they're wild and frenzied.
The only advantage this 'best of' has over an album, is the 'amount' of tracks.It is no more or less accessible than any of their albums containing the female vocalists ('Tra', 'Karelia Visa', 'Kaksi').(I'd have included the songs 'Metan Tytto' and 'Vargtimmen' -two of their catchiest, in my view).Tho, the varying of their 'heavy/soft' pieces is moreso than an album.(Aswell as some good re-mixes to add extra diversity)But, overall I don't feel a 'best of' was purposeful.But if u are sure you'll only want 1 Hedning' cd, this (having more tracks) might aswell be your choice.A dazzlingly good cd.Aquired taste, tho.They are weird."

Nordic Roots with A Twist

Wil | AL | 04/30/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone interested in exploring the world of Scandinavian folk music should start here. This is the group, crafting quirky yet listenable new takes on pre-Medieval tunes, that led the Nordic Folk revival of the '90s with their use of ancient (and some homemade) instruments twisted together with modern arrangements and beats. Hurdy gurdys and fiddles sit alongside electric guitars and stellar production, creating a most unique sound.
And while the core trio of its original members are talented enough, what sends this band into even higher orbit is the one-two punch of its Finnish lead vocalists. You may not understand it but you can't help but be mesmerized by them.
My only complaint is that I am not a big fan of Joik singing (indigenous Finnish chanting style similar to Native American singing, provided here by guest vocalist Wimme), so the one or two tracks that feature it I skip. And why Mettsän Tytto wasn't included is beyond me -- this is one of the best tracks this band ever recorded.
These minor gripes aside, the disc as a whole is definitely an experience. A weird, angular, revelatory, time warp of an experience, but an experience nonetheless."