The German black metal duo Liljevars Brann ‘s debut album offers a massive collection of five ethereal enduring tracks, weaving through various dynamics and creating a whole new world of emotions. Steering from dark mythology and gentle sounds to aggressive black metal sections, “Helja Kor”is a celebration for the senses, evoking the work of masters like Ulver, Katla, The 3rd and the Mortal, Empyrium, and others.

Indeed, at the very heart of this record lies an almost mystical time travel sensation,as if stepping through a portal into an ancient tale of magic  that is gradually revealed on the pages through playful atmospheric melodies and folk elements. There is a feeling of peace and quiet fascination throughout the length of the record, which prompts one to indulge in reflection. And part of what makes it so special is this very feature.

Deep pure melancholic chanting and the intense and expressive harsh vocals are some of the crucial features of the album “Helja Kor.” Combined with acoustic folk music and atmospheric black metal instruments, it gives the sense of beauty and grandeur to each and every track. The folk enchanting vocals are profound and intense and alternate between raw and untamed shrieks and the clean solemn vocals. 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 feel intrinsically tied to the storm around them, like flickering light within a tempest.

It would be appropriate to say that it was absolutely a smart move on the part of the musicians who trusted their masterpiece to Markus Stock because not many sound engineers are able to catch those soft nuances of folklore music and deliver them in such complex structures so that there was a perfect synthesis of weightiness and gentleness. The synergy of Liljevars Brann and Markus is definitely as beautiful as the harmony of black metal and cold winds.

Should you find yourself having an hour of your time, an hour that you would like to devote to a lyrical and immersive atmosphere, then the spells of “Helja Kor” arrive just in time to wrap you under their cloak of mystery and darkness.

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.