TVINNA – One – In The Dark

TVINNA is a new international band that includes ex and current members from the pagan folk/darkwave German band Faun. Rafael Salzmann (Eluveitie) and Jasper Barendregt (Ulsect) are on guitar and drum duties respectively for this album. All these namedrops probably give you a pretty accurate idea of what you will listen to in this album.

“One – In the Dark” is a concept album, the first of four parts about different stages of life each linked with one of the four elements. Beginnings, the state of being unborn and the process of coming to this world, our early state of being is linked with water, the element that gives life. This link is established through Germanic mythology, chants and incantations in old high German, and lyrics about motherhood. It is very captivating and gives a unique flavor. It’s an album about new beginnings, like the band itself is one: A pretty fitting coincidence was that one of the members gave birth to her daughter while they were in the process of recording.

Tvinna – Kreiz feat. Eivør (click here if the video does not play)

The album isn’t too punchy on the production, as most modern productions are, but everything is well unified. Very few times specific instruments steal the show, except sometimes the vocals, which is understandable. Multi-layered vocals, accordion and electronics are what dominates the album with the occasional guitar burst. While it does give that unified result I would prefer the most uncommon instruments to be more dominant at times.

Tvinna describe themselves as progressive/folk/dark pop and I can’t really argue with that statement. The songs are very catchy and should find fans among anyone interested in dark enchanting music. However, I would hardly call it progressive as it is not such an unusual combination of genres and the album has pretty much no prog tropes. While this is a plus, it also makes it hard to categorise it in this genre.

Tvinna – The Gore (Click here if the video does not play)

It’s not a very original album, musically or lyrically but it is an enjoyable one. It is also their debut so I guess some slack should be cut. The way the three women are involved with this project is very appreciable as they are involved in the production, creating the artwork and directing their videos, but maybe that’s one of the reasons why there’s not much variety. They have uploaded a lot of videos explaining the creative process of their songs which will give a lot of insight to anyone who wants to dig deeper.

Track List:

1. The Gore
2. 12
3. Kreiz (feat. Eivør)
4. Wild Hunt
5. Inside – The Dark
6. Sunna
7. Tides
8. Partus
9. Skymning