Month: February 2008

NIFELHEIM contains past members of iconic, Swedish death metal groups such as NECROPHOBIC and ENTOMBED. On paper, it would seem this group is mostly likely to walk the left hand path of the Stockholm death metal tradition, but that is not the case. Sure, the influence is there, but is a mere sprinkling, possibly a sprinkling of gasoline onto an old Nordic church, but these godless heathens proudly carry the touch of early satanic heavy metal. Bands such as fellow Swedes BATHORY, VENOM, SODOM, KREATOR and IRON MAIDEN made an impression on this band that has remained throughout their career. One reason this group has kept this classic, dark sound is due to founding, constant members Tyrant (bass) and Hellbutcher (vocals). These twin brothers, aka Erik and Per Gustavsson, form the core of the group. After a documentary about heavy metal fans aired in Sweden in 1998, Tyrant and Hellbutcher were given the nickname “Bröderna Hĺrdrock” which translates to “The Hard Rock Brothers” in English. Throughout the years, NIFELHEIM has released a number of splits, EPs, tribute albums and full-length recordings. Recently, they released “Envoy of Lucifer,” a pile-driving, Baphomet-worshiping, spikes-and-leather orgy of pure speed that still burns the torch of true heavy metal. The Hard Rock Brothers spoke to Metal Centre via email about this aural threat. Prepare to be bound, gagged, skinned and sacrificed to the Gods of dark metal!