By Bona Pjarren
Hrafngrímr, which translates as from old Nordic as “the one wearing the Raven Mask”, and is pronounced “ravengrimar”, are a neo-Nordic artistic collective founded by Mattjö Haussy, formerly of Skáld, in the early 2020s to propose a modern, oniric interpretation of Norse mythology, connecting our present-day world with ancient eras by using traditional as well as modern instruments. The lyrics are either drawn from the Poetic Edda in Old Norse, or from ancestral references from across the world. Some of the texts, which have been translated by Jules Piet, are written by Huassy in observance of the poetic art of kenningar, that the Skálds used in the Middle Ages.
Using music, song and dance, Hrafngrímr invites the audience to a mystical voyage across the universe of ancient Scandinavians. Getting back, one is invited to bring home the most beautiful aspects of the philosophy, beliefs, art and magic of the ancient people of the North. It is an invitation to remembrance, and awakening! A shared experience conveyed by the vibrations of our music and voices. Hrafngrímr strives to combine theatricality and poetry in its music, for its shows to become so much more: an immersive ritual, a journey across space and time.
‘Hólmganga’ itself is the first song of this four track EP and translates as “single combat” or “duel”, and is a reworking of ‘Hávamál’, a didactic poem from the Poetic Edda, translated into English to make the lyrics more understandable to a modern audience. . It is a robust little track sung in a Nordic language, which really adds to the overall impact. Driving tribal style drums and subtle keyboards help drive the piece through the gears. It has a simple but endearing quality to it and makes for a solid introductory song.
‘Rúnir’, or ‘Runes’, introduces itself with wonderful sampled washes of sound accompanied by a steady trance style drum beat. Guttural vocals add another dimension to a very tribal song as it slowly builds in complexity. Layers of vocal are added to good effect, it has a very earthy feel to the song which is accentuated by some nice throat singing.
Heralded by a resonant horn sounding ‘Vinatta’, meaning friendship, is next up. It continues with the tribal feel but adds some interesting tuneful folk elements to the proceedings. It is a really intriguing mix of instruments, vocals and textures.
‘Óvinr’ means origin in Old Norse and is the final song on the EP. It seamlessly mixes rhythmic tribal elements with interesting harmonised backing. A quite unusual piece it is quite compelling. It is certainly a track that could easily get stuck in your head.
‘Hólmganga’ is a nice little EP in the style of Viking Neo Folk bands such as Heilung and Wardruna. While it keeps true to these styles of music it is distinct in it’s own right. I really enjoyed listening to it and would happily listen to it again in future. I therefore happily recommend this work.
- ‘Hólmganga’ is released on 30 September. You can get your copy HERE.
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