Árstíðir Lífsins : “Hermalausaz”

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Árstíðir Lífsins are among the distinguished representatives of the pagan black metal scene. Although international in location, the roots of the band’s work are firmly rooted in the magic of Iceland and Old Norse literature and history, with the majority of their lyrics being written in the beautiful Old Norse language.

To date, the trio have released five full-length albums, two EPs and several splits, with their new title, ‘Hermalausaz’, set to be released on December 21st via Ván Records . Translating as ‘Restless One’, the album quickly lives up to its name and takes the listener into a frosty, shifting and challenging fantasy amongst the windswept Icelandic shore.

Crashing waves and clean melodies transport you to the foothills of the beautiful fjords. Subtly, the enchanting atmosphere is displaced by rhythmic guitars and weighty bass accompanied by pulsing drums, joined by deep clean vocals that evoke an icy breeze and smoothly introduce the listener into a sea of fast guitars, restless drums and erupting harsh vocals. A section of folklore instrumental follows and a re-immersion in the atmosphere from the beginning of the song takes pleace for a while, immediately after which we are flooded with traditional high-pitched black metal vocals – disturbing, emotionally charged. Choruses intertwine with the fast-paced black metal instrumentals, with the harsh vocals continuing to appear in a different form and style. It definitely shows the mixing and mastering style of the great Markus Stock, who manages to combine the raw with the ethereal and folklore with ease once again in Árstíðir Lífsins’ work. Within 22 minutes of this colossal track ‘Ýrr’, we witness true Icelandic magnificence. The beautifully played cold black metal instrumental maneuvers with deep choral chants and shrill black metal appeals, with the band traditionally staying true to their identity as well with folkloric elements in the instrumental appearing in various parts of the song to recall the mystery of the black sand and floating glaciers. Classical instruments are also present in the song, adding a special ethereal nuance. After learning about the translation of the word “Ýrr”, I realize how fitting this name is for the experience in the song. From Old Norse, the word translates as “crazy, furious, wild”.
Well, with the track, Árstíðir Lífsins delivers much more than that – alongside all the unbridled fury that can be felt, the sense of depth and sublimity never leaves the confines of the piece, delivering an authentic whirlwind of Icelandic piercing winds.

The second song from the album – “Þistill” (“Thorn”), begins with atmospheric guitars and fast drums that smoothly slow down their pace, giving way to deep harsh vocals, quickly replaced by choral chants. The band’s traditional raw and uncompromising elevating atmosphere, blows on a completely different level, reaching new horizons. More of the more modern influences in black metal can be felt in this song, and without a doubt, the musicians manage to interweave it with an old-school feel, steeped in folk mysticism.

With its two massive tracks, “Hermalausaz” is an enormous and surprising black metal work that can be listened to in one breath, even though it is over 40 minutes long. Quite naturally to their essence, Árstíðir Lífsins intertwine modern and traditional sound, while handling a range of classical instruments, vocal techniques and ambient noises that lead us through ethereal natural soundscapes and stories from long-forgotten times presented in a compelling and profound way.