Helheim
Nidr Ok Nordr Liggr Helvegir
[Independent]
Magical. Although I know this sounds silly, this album is simply magical.
I have really never heard anything quite like it before.
The first cut is great. Starting out with an almost African guitar/choir introduction, the album begins. Soon, about halfway through to be exact, the vocalist chimes in with his screams. They are very similar to Emperor; high pitched, raspy, and distorted, primarily playing more of a backround role than leading the music in any way.
The rest of the album is split between melodic and emotional pagan black metal, and pagan instrumental pieces. There are some intersting elements to the fray, such as the occasional incorporation of acoustic guitars. Furthermore, there is also a "battle horn" sounding instrument, that I believe to be merely keyboards, but it works superbly in the context.
The instrumental pieces often are lead by the distant hammering of a piano, drums, and possibly woodblocks. Much like Perunwit. There are also some very well done female and male choir/chant voicings throughout the demo, which further develop and evolve the underlying Pagan theme that seems to be particularly emphasized.
On the other end of things, the black metal sections are violent, hateful, barbaric, and ultimately fantastic. The guitars are very distant, most likely the product of excessive reverb mixed with a terrible production. The vocals are very distant as well, dancing aloofly upon the rising and falling of the music. Imagine the Emperor Mlp. The material is wonderful, balancing between a hateful and depressive side. The vocals bring out the angst, the strife, while the guitars reflect the sorrow and the pain. It's as if you are entering a dark cave.
Once again, an absolutely great piece of work.
© 2002 orodruin
The first cut is great. Starting out with an almost African guitar/choir introduction, the album begins. Soon, about halfway through to be exact, the vocalist chimes in with his screams. They are very similar to Emperor; high pitched, raspy, and distorted, primarily playing more of a backround role than leading the music in any way.
The rest of the album is split between melodic and emotional pagan black metal, and pagan instrumental pieces. There are some intersting elements to the fray, such as the occasional incorporation of acoustic guitars. Furthermore, there is also a "battle horn" sounding instrument, that I believe to be merely keyboards, but it works superbly in the context.
The instrumental pieces often are lead by the distant hammering of a piano, drums, and possibly woodblocks. Much like Perunwit. There are also some very well done female and male choir/chant voicings throughout the demo, which further develop and evolve the underlying Pagan theme that seems to be particularly emphasized.
On the other end of things, the black metal sections are violent, hateful, barbaric, and ultimately fantastic. The guitars are very distant, most likely the product of excessive reverb mixed with a terrible production. The vocals are very distant as well, dancing aloofly upon the rising and falling of the music. Imagine the Emperor Mlp. The material is wonderful, balancing between a hateful and depressive side. The vocals bring out the angst, the strife, while the guitars reflect the sorrow and the pain. It's as if you are entering a dark cave.
Once again, an absolutely great piece of work.
© 2002 orodruin