By Bona Pjarren
Vanir is one of Denmark’s most well-known and prominent Viking melodic death metal bands. ‘Sagas’ represents the sixth full length studio album that they have released since their inception. Written and recorded during the pandemics, mastered by Rune Stiassny (Iron Fire, ex-Saturnus), “Sagas”is mostly themed around Nordic mythology, but also has a song dedicated to one of the most important fantasy writers in history – J.R.R. Tolkien – who was himself greatly inspired by Nordic mythology and Denmark. Martin Rubini, Vanir’s vocalist, comments: “During the pandemic the world of music was turned upside down, this album has been our anchor in the creative part of our lives in a period where all our shows was cancelled and we still needed to be creative and do what we enjoy, playing metal. With ‘Sagas’ we continue the route we laid out with ‘Aldar Rök’ and ‘Allfather’ and the vision we have for Vanir”.
‘Day of Reckoning’ is the first track up and uses some interesting samples to add to the atmosphere alongside the keyboard/string washes. It had a bit of a Bal Saggoth feel in the way the orchestration was handled. A great track and a growing epic feeling to the proceedings. Stefan Dujardin has done some great keyboard work here.
‘Black Clad’ is a classic piece of melodic Viking metal in the style of bands like Amon Amarth. It has all the hallmarks of a fan favourite and lends itself easily to an audience participation song. Very catchy chorus that just begs to be sung along to. ‘See The Dragons Ride’ has an infectious galloping pace to it complimented by some inspired melodic guitar work. It is a very accessible piece and, I feel, a real crowd-pleaser.
‘Dødsfærd’ translates as “death’s journey”. It opens with a sea shanty style guitar riff that distinguishes it from other tracks on the album. I feel it has a bit of a pirate metal feel too it but at the same time it does not feel out of place with the rest of the album. ‘Eindriði’ is an alternative name for Thor and I loved the way that this track rips into it. It really does suit its title as it thunders out in a relentless stream of high octane metal. Lars Bundvad and Daniel Kronskov are real power houses when it comes to the rhythm section. The acoustic breakdown in the middle gives some much needed breathing space and really helps to elevate this track to a new level.
‘Sessrúmnir’ means “hall of many seats” and is the place where Freya’s chosen reside. It has strong big riffs and an underlying folky feeling that really gets stuck in your head. Evocative of feasting and quaffing ale, this is possibly one of the strongest tracks on the album. ‘The Bounty of Flesh and Bone’ is an obvious follow on track from ‘Sessrúmnir’. It’s driving rhythm section again helps drive this track forward with its warlike feel. It builds steadily into a dramatic track.
Meaning “struggle for honour”, ‘Æresstrid’ bursts into life with tight blast beats, trem picked guitars and dark sonorous vocals. It is an imperious track. In the synopsis that came with this album, Vanir promised a musical tribute to Tolkien: ‘Battle of Middle-Earth’ is that song. Harmonic minor scales give an exotic feel to this huge track. Packed with melody and full of drama this offering gets them back on track. Martin Rubini’s vocals are dark and heavy and really help to drive this track forward.
‘Andvari’s Curse’ refers to the ring that Loki took from Andvari. Andvari cursed the stolen gold which would destroy anyone who possessed it. After the deaths of Brynhild and Sigurd, Gunnar left Andvari’s gold in a cave. Years later, Andvari discovered the cave and his lost gold, although his ring was lost forever. The acoustic intro really helps set the scene before Vanir launch into the main body of the song. Given the subject matter I had geared myself up for something epic, particularly given the quality of the first track. Don’t get me wrong it is very well played but perhaps a bit derivative as a metal song.
‘Gods of War’ is heralded by some nice light and tight guitar work from Kirk Backarach and takes it down slightly, which is a welcome change of pace, but it still has an intensity of its own. ‘Visdomsmjøden’ is the mead of wisdom and it is brutal in its entrance. With heavy riffs accompanied by steady but frantic blast beats it is a take no prisoners sort of song.
In conclusion, ‘Sagas’ is a nice album in a Viking melodic metal styling that has numerous highlights, Sessrúmnir or Black Clad in particular are very memorable pieces. If you like bands like Amon Amarth then this is definitely an album to listen to.
- ‘Sagas’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
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