Helheim return with their 12th studio album
Архив новостей | Русская версия
Norwegian Viking/black metal legends Helheim return with their 12th studio album — a groundbreaking release where the band does the unthinkable: creates a split album with themselves. For the first time in their over 30-year career, primary songwriters V’gandr and H’grimnir have divided the creative process, each taking full control over half of the album, including vocals and musical direction. The result is two distinct yet unmistakably Helheim expressions — a bold evolution of the band’s signature sound.
The first half, “Hrabnar”, features four standalone tracks penned by H’grimnir. Opening with the powerful “Geist”, this side highlights H’grimnir’s commanding songwriting — heavy, yet rich with atmosphere — propelled by the relentless, dynamic drumming of Hrymr, whose distinctive style remains a cornerstone of Helheim’s sound. From the haunting, melancholic “Sorg er dødens spade” (“Sorrow is Death’s Spade”) to the intense “Livsblot” and the stirring “Mennesket er dyret i tale” (“Man is the Beast in Speech”), this first chapter offers a profound journey through heaviness and reflection.
The second half, “Ad vesa”, delves into Norse metaphysical concepts, exploring the four components of the human soul according to pre-Christian beliefs: Fylgja, Hamr, Hugr, and Hamingja. In ancient Norse thought, the soul was a composite, not a singular entity — and Helheim bring this rich, complex mythology to life through their deeply atmospheric compositions.
In Norse mythology, a fylgja is a supernatural being or spirit which accompanies a person in connection to their fate or fortune. They can appear to people in their sleep as dream-women, or appear while awake, often in the disembodied spiritual form of an enemy.
As a taster of what fans can expect from “Hrabnar / Ad vesa” Dark Essence Records have released the track “Fylgja” from the album as a single, and it can be streamed or downloaded from a number of services. Listen to it here.
Commenting on “Fylgja”, V’gandr had this to say: "Fylgja is a special track on “Hrabnar / Ad vesa”, where V’gandr has put all his weirdness into one piece of music. It takes you through heavy metalish riffs, through black metal and into the fields of majestic prog rock".
“Hrabnar / Ad vesa” was recorded at Duper Studio in Bergen with Iver Sandøy (known for his work with Enslaved, Wardruna and others). With artwork by Tom Korsvold, tracklisting is as follows:
HrabnaR:
1. Geist
2. Sorg er dødens spade
3. Livsblot
4. Mennesket er dyret i tale
Ad Resa:
1. Fylgja
2. Hamingja
3. Hugr
4. Hamr
Set for release on Dark Essence Records on the 20th of June, “Hrabnar / Ad vesa” will be available in CD, limited green LP, cassette and Digital formats.
Formed in Bergen in 1992, Helheim have long been revered for their authenticity, staying true to their Norse heritage while continuously evolving far beyond trends and genre conventions. Their debut album “Jormundgand” is widely regarded as a Viking metal classic, and to this day, Helheim continue to push the boundaries of their art.
Prepare for a journey through darkness, melancholy, and ancient wisdom — as only Helheim can deliver.
