Nordvis

Forndom: Moþir [CD]

Nechochwen’s “Heart of Akamon” blends atmospheric black metal with the haunting beauty of Appalachian folk. This West Virginian duo masterfully combines evocative storytelling, intricate guitar work, and dark folk elements, creating a soundscape that resonates with the struggle, pride, and resilience of indigenous peoples. “Heart of Akamon” is not just an album; it’s a tribute to the spirit of a proud culture facing the tide of change.

Häxkapell: Om jordens blod och urgravens grepp [CD]

Skogen's classic debut album, housed in a 6-panel digipak. Somber atmospheric black metal with a mix of folk elements. This re-issue includes one bonus track.

“I döden” (2014), Skogen’s fourth album, is a transcendent ode to nature and the darker aspects of folklore. The album intertwines melodic black metal with pagan influences, creating an ambience that is both brooding and ethereal. Tracks like ‘När himlen svartnar’ and ‘Griftenatt’ showcase the band’s skill in fusing atmospheric keys with haunting vocals, staking out a journey that resonates with raw emotion and the beauty of the Nordic wilderness. Majestic and hypnotic, “I döden” is the band’s most mature and compelling release to date.

Eldhymner by Häxkapell is a fiery homage to classic Swedish black metal, woven with Oraklet’s existential vision. Drawing from the ferocity of Marduk and the atmospheric depths of Dissection and Otyg, the album explores fire as a source of power, destruction, and life. Through haunting melodies and lyrics rooted in psychography, Eldhymner invites listeners to confront the flames and the mysteries they hold. Featuring artwork by J Edward Neill and mastering by T. Stjerna, Eldhymner stands as a dark, introspective journey into black metal’s primal allure.

Bards of Skadi present "Glysisvallur" - a sonic tapestry of orchestral grandeur and Nordic resonance, woven with threads of neofolk and early classical traditions. Led by Thomas von Wachenfeldt, a PhD in Sound and Music Production, and Göran Månsson, an international flutist and percussionist, the album is an ethereal journey through lost civilizations. This haunting panorama evokes the melancholy and wonder of bygone eras, inviting you to lose and find yourself anew.