THYRFING „Hels Vite”

Music: Viking Black Metal
Country: Sweden
Web site: www.thyrfing.com
Choice Cuts: Hels Vite, Frĺns Stormens Öga, Tre Sintrar Thĺ Solar

Sweden’s mighty men of the north—THYRFING return with their sixth studio full length recording, “Hels Vite.” The said album marks a new beginning for the band. Guitarist, Henke Svegsjö and vocalist Thomas Väänänen have left the fold, while new vocalist Jens Rydén has assumed front man duties. Black metal fans may remember Jens for his vocal work on early NAGLFAR albums, as well as his gothic black metal project DEAD SILENT SLUMBER.

Although fourteen years have passed since Rydén laid down his voice on NAGLFAR’s “Vittra” album, he hasn’t lost any of the oomph in his voice. He possesses a wide range of voices, from the usual raspy screech to growling crescendos, and even the occasional Nordic style clean voice. Recalling his time with NAGLFAR, he often spreads multiple layers of screams into a spooky, bestial din. Although he brings a high pitch, decoding the lyrics is not too difficult, at least on the English-spoken tracks. THYRFING composed two tracks in English—‘Isolation” and “Becoming the Eye,’ while singing the rest in Swedish.

Musically, THYRFING may appear somewhat minimal for the pagan metal bands of today. There are no tin whistles, flutes, accordions, violins or other accoutrements associated with the Pagan Fest bands. “Hels Vite” moves with mid paced guitar grooves, which resemble the Viking years of SATYRICON, and other Viking-black bands such as ISENGARD, and ENSLAVED. Keyboards provide a mystical background or set a triumphant tone.

Minor piano notes open 'Tre Sintrar Thĺ Solar,' and then give way to acoustic guitar and warm bass. The noticeable bass lines continue throughout the track, starting the groove that appears later into the track. ‘Frĺns Stormens Öga’ features one of the heaviest riffs on the album, one not unlike DARKTHRONE, but spiritually entwined keys provide a needed break. War drums, epic keyboard choirs, bard-like vocals, and fist-pounding grooves result in one of the more atmospheric tracks, the title track.

Bands from the first era of Viking metal seemed to be black metal bands first and Viking music second. Bands from the 90s scene would have plenty of great riffs, both medieval and the typical black metal style, Nordic clean vocals and cool sounds generated from the keyboards, but little folk instrumentation. The newer bands such as TURISAS and ELUVEITIE further aligned this sound with the ways of old, sometimes resulting in “happy” music. THYRFING is not a happy band, and brings a potent mix of both black and Viking styles. “Hels Vite” may not encompass a wide range of folk sounds, but it contains enough material to get listeners banging their heads or setting up altars to the cruel gods and goddesses of the frozen north!

note: 8/10

Tracklist

1.En Sista Litania
2.Frĺn Stormens Öga
3.Isolation
4.Hels Vite
5.Griftefrid
6.Becoming The Eye
7.Tre Vintrar Tvĺ Solar
Total playing time 51:59

Line-up

Jens Rydén – vocals
Patrik Lindgren – guitars
Peter Löf – piano, synthetizers
Kimmy Sjölund – bass
Joakim Kristensson – drums