Skálmöld
Með_Vættum
8
Track Album
Napalm
Records
Released
14th November 2014
Viking Goodness!
Written for Ramzine
Skálmöld – Reykjavik Iceland
Links:
Genre: Viking Metal
Biography:
“From the Realms of the Far North, an Army of six Icelanders rushes
towards Battle!
Skálmöld
was founded in August 2009 and has since then become the biggest metal act in
Iceland. The band's Debut album, "Baldur" was released late 2010 and
was immediately a huge success, both with the metal scene and the more
mainstream crowd. Skálmöld then
released the album via Napalm Records in 2011 and has made quite an impact on
the international metal scene since then. After more than a year of touring and
promoting, Skálmöld headed back to
the studio to record their second album entitled "Börn Loka" (Loki's
Children). It was released in late 2012 and followed by extensive touring
throughout 2013. The year came to a grand closure when Skálmöld joined forces with Iceland Symphony Orchestra for three
sold out shows in Iceland’s largest concert hall, Harpa. The concert was
released as CD/DVD and became an instant best seller.
Skálmöld
plays music that could be described as Battle Metal, a potion of Epic Viking
Metal, old school Death and Thrash Metal, entwined with the Icelandic heritage.
The lyrics are all written under the strict rules of the ancient Icelandic
poetry and influenced by the heathen roots of the Nordic nation. The outcome is
a powerful mixture of Heavy Metal and Heroic Sagas, erupting from the boiling
core of the frozen Island.
The band puts on a killer show, rocks tight and energetic, so be
sure you don't miss out on Skálmöld.
And in the end, who would be better suited for telling stories of the Vikings
but the Vikings themselves?”
Ad Vori - spring
Embracing a vivid combination of strong and powerful rhythmic
swagger in true Viking form this melodic encounter is swift and memorable. Beware
its infection is spreading, through a raw and striking intervention.
Med Fuglum – With the
world
The sultry riffs caress with inviting prowess. It turns into a
quickening haze of utter madness. A throaty vocal seethes with fluency and the
torrent of beats quicken under a lightning bolt and the rhythms are a tasty and
rewarding treat with added voracious appeal.
Ad Sumri - summer
The fiery temperament of the track exudes a rhythmic vocal edge and
paints a picture of frozen landscapes occupied by rugged beats and tempestuous
waves of emotion.
Med Drekum – With the Dragon
Creative track that holds an edge of thunderous beating rhythms that
protrude with a contagious bite. Poetic and surly it engages on all levels with
strong unruly riffs.
Ad Hausti - autumn
I can just imagine the tankards being swung to this one, even Johann
Hegg, would approve! It’s a pleasing anthemic track that will be a hit among
the Viking followers among us everywhere!
-------------------------------------------------
“Holding real potential to pillage
and plunder, with their swinging of tankards full of ale! Skálmöld dice with Mother Nature and both come off triumphant!”
-------------------------------------------------
Med Jötnum – With Giants
It has connotations at the beginning that sound like Dr Who’s theme
tune although it takes a swift path in the opposite direction as expected! The
punchy gnawing rhythms are expelled along with a hearty growl.
Ad Vetri – In winter
Another rip-roaring track of Viking prowess! The no nonsense swagger
of chunky rhythms are indeed reminiscent of another Viking adventure into the
wilderness! Intensity soaked, it soars and roams with immense strings that
enjoy gathering pace!
Med Gridungum – With the
Bull
This has a more sombre approach than its predecessors, however a
very diverse track that looms in an almost sinister manner. Crawling over its
sultry landscape are heavy stirring and invigorating passages.
Summary
Their name Skálmöld translates
to Lawlessness and indeed the band live up to their name music-wise as they are
a law unto themselves however, in true heathen style they have opted to take a look
at nature, singing about the seasons and has a somewhat mythical approach,
especially on the track Med Drekum.
The title of the album is Með_Vættum
– By Witnesses, it’s a clever move as it immediately strikes fear into the
hearts of Anglo Saxon’s everywhere who were usually, if not always on the end
of a Viking axe!
The presence of this album borders on the swift force of compelling
hooks and steely riffs! The vocals are heavy and tumultuous in their endeavour
to conquer in a no nonsense true Viking assault, but with added metal that
binds itself to their loins!
The essences are not all rampageous but have a good strong core
running through them.
You don’t even notice that the entire album is sung (or screamed) in
Icelandic as the music is really impressive and burns a gripping and glorious
mark into your heart.
Igniting into a raw and abrasive conclusion of feisty intrigue that
allows the mind to focus on days when Vikings ruled supreme which is outlined
in the fantastic track Ad Hausti. The track bristles with absolute Viking
potency!
They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but I wouldn’t fancy my
chances against these guys when in battle!
Holding real potential to pillage and plunder, with their swinging
of tankards full of ale! Skálmöld dice
with Mother Nature and both come off triumphant!
9½/10
Track
List:
Ad Vori
Med Fuglum
Ad Sumri
Med Drekum
Ad Hausti
Med Jotnum
Ad Vetri
Med Gridung
Members:
Baldur
Ragnarsson - Guitar/Vocals
Björgvin
Sigurðsson - Vocals/Guitar
Gunnar
Ben - Keyboards/Vocals/Oboe
Jón
Geir Jóhannsson - Drums/Vocals
Snæbjörn
Ragnarsson - Bass/Vocals
Þráinn Árni Baldvinsson - Guitar/Vocals
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