Methodically structured and extraordinary, the debut of the German black metal duo Liljevars Brann offers a massive collection of five ethereal enduring tracks, weaving through various dynamics and realms. From dark folklore and delicate sonic landscapes to intense and sharp black metal passages, “Helja Kor” is a celebration for the senses, evoking the work of masters like Ulver, Katla, The 3rd and the Mortal, Empyrium, and others.
At its core, the album evokes a mystical sense of time travel, as if stepping through a portal into an ancient tale of magic, unfolding page by page through playful atmospheric melodies and folk elements. Throughout the work, a serene and captivating mood prevails, inspiring moments of dreamy introspection. Part of the album’s charm lies precisely in this quality—it transports you to a state between dream and reality, encouraging you to daydream and immerse yourself in a meditative release of the senses.
The deep, pure melancholic chants and emotionally charged,
expressive harsh vocals are among the key elements of “Helja Kor”.
Surrounded by acoustic folk and atmospheric black metal
instrumentation, they create a sense of quiet grandeur and beauty
in every track. The folk enchanting vocals are rich and profound,
shifting between raw, untamed expressions and clean, solemn tones.
This duality adds a layered emotional depth, conjuring both the
harshness of nature and the introspection of ancient lore.
The drumming strikes with a mesmerizing rhythm, urging the listener
into a trance-like dance.Their hypnotic cadence resonates deep
within, blending precision with an earthy, visceral groove.
The acoustic guitars weave delicate, melodic threads through the
more raw black metal unrelenting instrumentation, acting as a
haunting counterpoint to the abrasive onslaught. Their soft tones
bring moments of respite, yet they feel intrinsically tied to the
storm around them, like flickering light within a tempest.
It would be worth mentioning that the musicians’ decision to entrust the mastering to Markus Stock was a brilliant one – there are few sound engineers who can capture the subtle accents of folklore and present them in such layered structures, achieving a perfect symbiosis between heaviness and delicacy. The combination of Liljevars Brann’s work and Markus’ is undoubtedly as harmonious as the fusion between black metal and cold winds.
If you have an hour to spare, one that you wish to spend in a lyrical and immersive atmosphere, then the universe of “Helja Kor” arrives just in time to wrap you in its cloak of mystery and captivating depth.
Artist:
Liljevars Brann
Title: “Helja
Kor”
Release date:
October 13th, 2024
Genre: Black/Doom
/Folk Metal
Country:
Germany
Label:
Independent digital release, CD release via Octopus Rising.
Order/Listen:
https://bit.ly/4eV7TjM.
Mother of THE VOID.
Underground music is the ultimate weapon against mediocrity.
