Where The Slime Live : Melodic Death Metal Meets Symphonic Orchestration

“Where The Slime Live”, from Finntroll’s 2001 masterpiece Nattfylgt, isn’t just a song; it’s an auditory experience. A wild tapestry woven with melodic death metal brutality and unexpected symphonic flourishes, this track embodies the Finnish band’s unique blend of folklore-inspired themes, aggressive riffs, and haunting melodies.

Finntroll emerged from the fertile Finnish metal scene in the late 1990s. Fronted by the enigmatic vocalist Katla, whose distinctive shrieks and guttural growls became synonymous with their sound, the band combined traditional black metal aesthetics with folk elements, creating a distinctly “trollish” musical identity.

“Where The Slime Live” perfectly encapsulates this fusion. The song opens with a driving blast beat punctuated by tremolo-picked guitar riffs characteristic of melodic death metal. However, Finntroll injects their signature quirkiness through the use of heavily distorted keyboards that mimic the sound of traditional Finnish instruments like the kantele.

As the song progresses, Katla’s vocals soar over the relentless rhythm section, delivering lyrics steeped in folklore and mythology. The chorus explodes with a catchy melodic hook, juxtaposed against the aggressive verses. This dynamic interplay between brutality and melody is what makes Finntroll stand out from their peers.

Dissecting the Musical Structure

The song structure itself further exemplifies Finntroll’s ability to craft intricate compositions:

1. Intro (0:00-0:30): A blistering blast beat sets the stage for the chaos to come. The distorted keyboards introduce a haunting melody reminiscent of ancient Finnish folklore.

2. Verse 1 (0:30-1:05): Katla’s vocals enter with ferocious growls as the guitars deliver intricate riffs. The drums maintain a relentless pace, driving the song forward with unrelenting energy.

3. Chorus (1:05-1:40): A sudden shift in tempo and melody unveils a catchy hook that will lodge itself in your brain for days. Katla’s voice transitions to a soaring melodic style, contrasting beautifully with the brutality of the preceding verse.

4. Verse 2 (1:40-2:15): The song returns to its aggressive roots, with the guitars and drums hammering out a relentless onslaught of sound. The lyrics continue to delve into Finntroll’s signature blend of mythology and folklore.

5. Bridge (2:15-2:50): A brief instrumental section allows the musicians to showcase their technical prowess. The keyboards take center stage, weaving intricate melodies that further highlight the band’s unique sound.

6. Chorus (2:50-3:25): The chorus returns with renewed intensity, cementing its place as a standout moment in the song. Katla’s vocals soar above the relentless rhythm section, creating a truly unforgettable musical experience.

7. Outro (3:25-4:00): The song fades out gradually, leaving the listener wanting more.

A Legacy of Trollish Tunes

“Where The Slime Live” is a testament to Finntroll’s innovative approach to metal music. Their ability to seamlessly blend brutality and melody with folktales and mythology has earned them a dedicated following worldwide. This track, along with other gems from Nattfylgt, solidified their place as pioneers of “troll metal,” inspiring countless bands in the years that followed.

Finntroll continues to tour and release music, showcasing their enduring creativity and passion for creating truly unique musical experiences. For those seeking a sonic adventure beyond the realm of conventional metal, “Where The Slime Live” is an excellent entry point into the fantastical world of Finntroll.