rauniaR was definitely a highly awaited album, at least as far as I am concerned: I have followed this fantastic band for years and I was very curious and anxious to see what Helheim would do. After masterpieces like Kaoskult (2008) and Heidindomr ok motgangr (2011) it was perhaps difficult to repeat; V'gandr and company perhaps felt that they had given everything in the genre that they had explored in the two previous albums and have decided to refresh their sound.
rauniaR is actually quite different: the black metal component has been reduced while the of folk / viking component has been developed, also adding an experimental approach; at the same time, Helheim have remained faithful to their stile, which is perfectly recognizable. rauniaR is the result of a subtle work of sound research that has produced a complex and profound album. Helheim have approached this research from different angles, and have gone beyond all genre boundaries, thus bringing their sound to a new dimension. The common denominator that binds all Helheim releases is a song called “Helheim” with a progressive number; this track is not missing this time either, and it is the opener “Helheim 9”, which goes almost like a singsong for children, but it is not meant for children at all. The second song “rauniaR” is much in the style of the band and here their brand becomes recognizable. The third and fourth tracks “Åsgards Fall 3” and “Åsgards Fall 4” continue “Aasgårds fall part I” and “Aasgårds fall part I” from the EP Aasgårds fall (2010); the former of them also goes almost like a singsong, but they are also very epic, while the closing “Odr” has a sad and melancholy melody.
In conclusion, rauniaR is, as we have seen, an album full of references to previous albums, almost as if Helheim wanted to state that despite the changes in sound they are still and always the same. I think that this album is profound and mature, and I would say one of the best releases of 2015 within black metal.
Notes:
Release date: December 4 2015 on Dark Essence Records. The digital album and merchandise stuff can purchased through the Bandcamp player below.
Tracklist:
1. Helheim 9
2. rauniaR
3. Åsgards fall III
4. Åsgards fall IV
5. Odr
Personnel:
Hrymr - Drums & programming
Vgandr - Bass & vocals
Hgrimnir - Rhythm guitar & vocals
Noralf - Rhythm & lead guitar
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
rauniaR is actually quite different: the black metal component has been reduced while the of folk / viking component has been developed, also adding an experimental approach; at the same time, Helheim have remained faithful to their stile, which is perfectly recognizable. rauniaR is the result of a subtle work of sound research that has produced a complex and profound album. Helheim have approached this research from different angles, and have gone beyond all genre boundaries, thus bringing their sound to a new dimension. The common denominator that binds all Helheim releases is a song called “Helheim” with a progressive number; this track is not missing this time either, and it is the opener “Helheim 9”, which goes almost like a singsong for children, but it is not meant for children at all. The second song “rauniaR” is much in the style of the band and here their brand becomes recognizable. The third and fourth tracks “Åsgards Fall 3” and “Åsgards Fall 4” continue “Aasgårds fall part I” and “Aasgårds fall part I” from the EP Aasgårds fall (2010); the former of them also goes almost like a singsong, but they are also very epic, while the closing “Odr” has a sad and melancholy melody.
In conclusion, rauniaR is, as we have seen, an album full of references to previous albums, almost as if Helheim wanted to state that despite the changes in sound they are still and always the same. I think that this album is profound and mature, and I would say one of the best releases of 2015 within black metal.
Notes:
Release date: December 4 2015 on Dark Essence Records. The digital album and merchandise stuff can purchased through the Bandcamp player below.
Tracklist:
1. Helheim 9
2. rauniaR
3. Åsgards fall III
4. Åsgards fall IV
5. Odr
Personnel:
Hrymr - Drums & programming
Vgandr - Bass & vocals
Hgrimnir - Rhythm guitar & vocals
Noralf - Rhythm & lead guitar
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com