THYRFING

With a band name derived from a cursed sword in Scandinavian mythology, here we have Swedish metallers Thyrfing's sixth album, a long coming release since 2005's 'Farsotstider'. In fact, 'Farsotstider' was my first introduction to the band and I wasn't too impressed with the music on that album. Since then, original vocalist Thomas Väänänen and guitarist Henrik Svegsjö have left, with only the former being replaced (by Jens Rydén), so is my second dose of Thyrfing a more positive experience? Thankfully, it is. Often labelled as 'Viking Metal', a term that, for me, is entirely unilluminating in explaining the actual music of a band, Thyrfing are better described as folk-tinged down to mid-tempo black metal. At least to my ears that's a fairly apposite description. Think Moonsorrow fused with early Primordial and you'll be part way there, and opener 'En sista litania' has discernible elements of both. Second track 'Från stormens öga' commences with a disconcertingly anemic guitar riff, which is perhaps not even played as cleanly as it could be, although the song gradually builds into a more grandiose soundscape with atmospheric keyboards adding depth to an otherwise 'simple' composition. And you know what? The simplicity of the repeated opening guitar riff actually works later in the song as an effective contraposition to the keyboard infused parts. This is the album's musical dynamic throughout - each song, and 'Hels Vite' in its entirety, has a slow burning effect as simple ideas are developed to create a more satisfyingly profound aural experience. In that sense, it is not an album to dip in and out of, rather one that requires your full attention and patience to fully appreciate its essence. Atmospheric metal at its best!

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Regain Records

Album

HELS VITE

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

52:02

RELEASE DATE:

3rd Nov 2008

TRACK LISTING

1) En sista litania
2) Från stormens öga
3) Isolation
4) Hels vite
5) Griftefrid
6) Becoming The Eye
7) Tre vintrar – två solar

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Sweden

"...each song, and 'Hels Vite' in its entirety, has a slow burning effect as simple ideas are developed to create a more satisfyingly profound aural experience."