Árstíðir Lífsins- Heljarkviða

[schema type=”review” name=”Árstíðir Lífsins- Heljarkviða” description=”Label: Ván Records” author=”Şebnem Altunkaya” pubdate=”2017-01-09″ ]Personally,  it has been a while since I have written a review for an Old Norse / Black metal band. Now it is so exciting because what I can call another master-piece is speaking into my ears while I am writing their review.

From the very beginning, Árstíðir Lífsins gives a very clear message about what you can expect from a Nordic 40-minute long EP by saluting the Northern Gods and their followers. Icelandic/German band’s EP includes two songs; “Á Helvegi” and “Helgrindr Brotnar”. There are some chaotic sounds which one usually can expect from a black metal band. However, Árstíðir Lífsins turned this chaos into something which they can have an advantage from. Their chaotic sounds work so harmoniously that these 2 songs actually feel like they are somehow connected to each other. And with this strong bound, I can say that time to time I felt I am listening only one song which is 40minutes long. And I have to say that it is such a magical feeling!

When I learned about the meaning of the band’s name, “The Seasons of Life”, I recognised this connection more because it creates a feeling that in this EP,  Árstíðir Lífsins shares 2 seasons of life with the listeners. For me, these seasons are obviously autumn and winter. With the first song, we are welcoming autumn and almost like 20 minutes after, winter is in front of listeners’ door!

As Árstíðir Lífsins says their music is created with the good support of Old Norse literature and art. And after the 14th minute of “Helgrindr Brotnar”  I felt I was hearing a familiar piece from Old Norse sagas but I could not name it even though I have searched for it! As this is the case, maybe it is time to leave the answer to Árstíðir Lífsins. Hope they can help me to find this familiar sound!

Tracklist:
1.Á Helvegi
2.Helgrindr Brotnar

Links:
Árstíðir Lífsins’ Facebook