I
admit that I’ve waited some weeks before to give a final review to this album
because of my connection with early discography of this band but like Enslaved
after all I really appreciate the desire of renewal, still believing that their
previous album are unique jewels of Viking Black Metal.
Differently from Enslaved that have followed a progressive and psychedelic
evolution Helheim have chosen for a more modern and metal influences. Their
style is become very explosive in some ways, just listen to the explosive
title-track that haven’t so many thing in common with Black Metal but that mix
a very inspired death and thrash Metal influences with some majestic and cold
modern sounds on the synthesizers. "Stones to the Burden" is a mix of
those elements with a melodic epic riffs that recalls the previous sensibility
of the Norwegian bands, with a winning mixture, also thanks to an arpeggio that
brake the song creating a static superb mood.
The drum performance is great very varied, a growing already audible in
the previous "Blod & Ild".
Another example of how great can be the new mix is the great "Den Glemte
Lov", another hymn to remember, like the Norwegian opening riff of "God
of Slander"!
So if I’m so exalted why not 6 on 6, simply because of some tracks like ...Sinner
Wake that are not always as the same level of the best songs.
A thing that sometimes left a bit surprised is how sometimes the mythological
atmospheres are gone but their essence is not at all expired, what remains is
the darker side of their roots and the Viking epic side that is elaborated in a
new face, that surely will divide the audience.
The artwork is simple horrible too bad because Helheim deserve a better
presentation.
Ild