[schema type=”review” name=”Skálmöld – Vögguvísur Yggdrasils” description=”Label: Napalm Records” author=”Basak Günel” pubdate=”2016-09-30″ ]
Skálmöld is an Icelandic viking metal band. They have been formed in 2009 and became one of those bands that are adored and liked by many in the pagan/viking metal scene. With 3 albums and even 1 DVD, which has been recorded with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, they have claimed their place and reputation in the scene. Their latest and 4th full-length record “Vögguvísur Yggdrasils” has been released last month and it takes us to a journey in the North to explore the nine worlds held together by the world tree Yggdrasil.
With 9 songs which represent the nine worlds in the Nordic mythology, Skalmöld delivers us not only viking metal but also a combination of heavy/power metal. On one side, this is a good thing; I am sure the fans of the Nordic mythology have heard lots of similar musical interpretations of these nine worlds but Skalmöld approaches this aspect with their interpretation in the Icelandic language and by combining these different genres. The ‘heavy’ and ‘dynamic’ riffs combined with the harmony of clean/growl vocals form the highlight of the record. These highlights can be felt in songs like “Nidavellir”, “Alfheimur” and “Asgardur”, which are, in my opinion, the strongest and most memorable songs. On the other hand, I expected some more “atmosphere” and less ‘power metal’ and that’s where I got a bit disappointed because except the interesting language and some songs, the album did not really move me. In records like these, I always look for some atmosphere and this record lacked that element. Nevertheless, this is one of the albums you can enjoy live or if you simply want to enjoy the beauty of the Icelandic language. The lovers of the ‘ambient’ side of this genre might find this record a bit less memorable though.
“Vögguvísur Yggdrasils” is generally a good record but I would recommend it to the lovers of the more dynamic (power/heavy metal lovers) and less atmospheric part of the viking/pagan metal scene. The band will embark on tour in Europe with Moonsorrow and Korpiklaani soon so catch them live if you can; I am sure it will be a blast!
Line-up:
Baldur Ragnarsson – guitar,vocals
Björgvin Sigurðsson – guitar,vocals
Gunnar Ben – keyboards,vocals,oboe
Jón Geir Jóhannsson – drums,vocals
Snæbjörn Ragnarsson – bass,vocals
Þráinn Árni Baldvinsson – guitar,vocals
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Tracklist: 01. Muspell 02. Niflheimur 03. Nidavellir 04. Midgardur 05. Utgardur 06. Alfheimur 07. Asgardur 08. Helheimur 09. Vanaheimur |
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