Often, these types of bands just create droning hymns to pay homage to their elder cultures, which carries a certain power depending on the egregore of the region, but not always something worth repeated listens. This is the case even with some of the bigger indigenous neo-folk acts of Europe. This project from Norway does respect ye olde days, while writing actual songs that go somewhere. Yes, there is a very ritualistic feel to what they do, but it has verses and choruses you remember. Also, a dark tension broods under some of the passages, so it is not surprising these artists are often metal adjacent in their fan base.
They are named after an old Germanic name for the sun, which reflects some of the elder pagan ideology behind the concepts of this album. "Sol and Mani" has a heavier ambiance, which ebbs and flows, as is to be expected from an album that is already atmospheric by nature. There is more of a folk ballad quality to the vocals. It still manages to lull you into its own hypnotic throb. "Full Mona" finds the male throat singing coming more to the forefront. This creates a more tribal cadence, putting them closer to what Heilung does. They have a darker, more solemn sound than Heilung, and are not tied to using non-electronic instruments, which they are not afraid of using to create almost sensual beats. The trade-off between the male and female vocals sometimes gives things a more Dead Can Dance feel.
"Nihtegan" certainly sums up this assessment with the slithering belly dance sexuality dripping from the mysterious mood, yet dramatic atmosphere creating ritualistic theatrics. "Carnyx" is a horn being blown for a droning ambient effect, not sure if I consider this one a song, as it feels more like an interlude. But at almsot four minutes they are committed enough to consider it a song. They bring a beat to the droning strings of "Eald Mona" and pull things together compellingly. "Swefnian' work off a big, almost cinematic atmosphere that is dark enough, but the arrangement is a straightforward, almost drone. The last actual song is 'Heolstor Sceadu" which finds the throat singing more prominent, but the dark slinking grooves weaving around the song work well. I will give this one a 9.5; it's one of the better dark tribal neo-folk releases I have heard in some time. Drops August 29th. It
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