Norwegian band from Langesund. They play black metal/Viking metal, and they do it well.

HELGARDS FALL (2003) INDEPENDENT

Black metal is really not my favorite musical style. So for me to get hooked on any band in this genre, they need to deliver something catchy. The music can be brutal and have a massive wall of sound, but still there has to be a certain sense of melody to it all. And I found all these elements in this new Norwegian band. Arvinger have released a first album to be proud of. So the production could have been a little better, but this being an independent release, thus having next to nothing as a budget, I find the quality of this recording to be more than good enough. And the booklet is very professional looking. Musically I have not enough knowledge of this genre to compare this band to anyone. But they play Viking influenced black metal, and they do it with a conviction. Every song is well written, maintaining a diversity that kept my interest up throughout the entire album. Mixing in small doses of violin and female vocals also help to make this an intriguing CD. "Hyllest" is an awesome worship song, done entirely in the most extreme forms of metal. The only thing I could do without is the instrumental track. But that is more of a personal taste issue, rather any lack of musical quality within the tune. I hope, and expect, that this band get a record deal, fast! Also worth mentioning is the guest appearance of Ronny Tegner from Pagan's Mind.

Killer tracks: Ut Fra Havn, Hyllest, Kongsarven