Artist: Blodhemn
Title: Holmengraa
Genre: Black Metal
Release Date: 18th May 2012
Label: Indie Recordings
Album Review
BLODHEMN was established in 2004 as a project of Invisus, who is on stage supported by live musicians. A first demo in 2008 gathered quite some attention and was followed by the successfully acclaimed EP ‘Brenn Alle Bruer’ (2010). In May 2012, finally, a first full-length record was released, entitled ‘Holmengraa’. The name derives from a deserted island far from the Norwegian shore, this place also served as a source of inspiration for Invisus. After a short intro, ‘Galgebakken’, the real opener ‘Rettersted’ sets in. Musically, BLODHEMN combines elements of traditional bands like MAYHEM but is also comparable to DISSECTION. (The last track, ‘Black Horizons’ was inter alia composed by Jon Nödtveidt from DISSECTION and also the lyrics were written by him.) The sound structures are everything but simple, slower parts vary with speedy elements. Yet, the overall atmosphere on ‘Holmengraa’ is dark, evil and cold, which is only underlined by the angry, screamed vocals.
‘Djevelen I Menneskeform’ is a very traditional Old School Black Metal song with a heavy ending. Since the vocals are presumably sung in Norwegian, one can only guess that they do not deal with the happy, bright side of the life but rather darkness and death. Either way, BLODHEMN produce a music that has a distinct sound and remarkableness but could as well have been released in the 1990s during the Second Wave of Black Metal. Songs like the evil and yet somehow catchy ‘Thingvellir’ or the heavier ‘Nekromani’ are definitely worth listening to. The last track ‘Black Horizon’ is obviously very DISSECTION -influenced and contains a very interesting chorus. Also, BLODHEMN do not shy away from clear vocals. The production is sterile yet clear and distinct, which fits the overall mood very well. Any fan of traditional Black Metal is highly recommended to indulge into this piece of art.
Tracklist
01. Galgebakken
02. Rettersted
03. Djevelen i Menneskeform
04. Thingvellir
05. Nekromani
06. Maanelyst
07. Telehiv
08. Black Horizons
Line-up
Invisus - Vocals, all Studio-Instruments
Felix - Live-drums
Hauk - Live-bass
Skroemt - Live-guitar
Website
www.blodhemn.no / http://www.facebook.com/Blodhemnnorway
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9 / 10
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