What is Viking Metal and what does it consist of? Is it having twenty-eight inches of hair, dressing up in armor and/or a kilt while wielding a sword? Is it dressing in all black while wearing Thor’s hammer pendants around the neck? Or perhaps it consists of including symbolic imagery such as runes and ships in the package art? More importantly, what is the formula to creating good Viking Metal? I ask these burning questions because ever since the Metal world included Norse mythology into its art, a majority of the bands at the forefront playing it are way too gimmicky. There are too many bands gravitating towards Norse mythology and its culture while writing about it because it is the trend rather than having love, appreciation, or genuine interest for it. In my opinion, good Viking Metal is a rarity.
In order to create good Viking Metal, the performers and their art must first be well versed in the lore and not just give us, the listeners, fragments. This is why I truly appreciate the authenticity of Árstíðir Lífsins new album Saga Á Tveim Tungum I: Vápn Ok Viðr (Ván Records). The album title which translates into “The Tale Of Two Tongues: Amor & Wood,” is one half of a double album which the second half is set to be released later this year. This album details the saga of the great King Olaf II of Norway. It tells about his ruthless conquests rise to power to become king. This brings me to the second component needed to create good Viking Metal, which is the art of storytelling. This was perfectly executed by vocalist and storyteller Marsél. Throughout the album, we are enveloped with dark chanting and singing especially on the slower songs ‘Siðar Heilags Brá Sólar Ljósi’ and ‘Fregit Hekt Satt.’
Good Viking Metal must also be heavy as that reflects the Viking way of life. Considering that this band only has three members in it, they started off the album pretty solid with some brutal Black Metal. The first track ‘Fornjóts Synir Ljótir At Haddingja Lands Lynláðum’ gives us an introduction to the band’s appreciation for Black Metal. ‘Morðbál Á Flugi Ok Klofin Mundriða Hjól’ and ‘Stǫng Óð Gylld Fyr Gǫngum Ræfi’ are my favorites. Although some Metalheads may have mixed reviews about Black Metal, this album is one for fans of Black Metal to truly appreciate. What I love about it the most is that its dark, haunting chants, and lyrics written all in Old Icelandic makes it stand out. Speaking the Viking’s native tongue is important in Viking Metal! Doing this album entirely in Old Icelandic was a very bold move for any band performing Viking Metal as most bands tend to strip away this important piece of authenticity to appeal more to English-speaking audiences.
Overall, although this album is purely Black Metal, it does a great job laying the foundation of what Viking Metal should sound like.
6 / 10
KIM GILL