Somehow, this album came out and got filed into the I need to hunt it down on the internet path for so long it was forgotten about til now. Six albums into their career, Norway's primal folk bards are still bringing an increasingly cinematic conjuring of otherworldly eons past. It is weird how they are the biggest band making this kind of music. Also, even stranger is how they can headline festivals. The title track is not as grandiose as how they open the album, and it feels more reflective, with the female vocals providing a more ethereal touch. It is very much a wintery sound as should be expected from the region where the music is being made. It feels like they are getting ready to be hit by the worst storm in over a hundred years and are invoking the ghosts of their ancestors.
There is a more celebratory tone to "Ljos til Jord". Then drops down to a more solemn mood with the lonely horn blast leading into "Dvaledraumar" which incorporates some weird ambient sounds that feel less organic. So, for all the ancient instruments, you would be amiss to think there were not some studio tricks in play at times. It's a more minimalist arrangement that allows you to hear how Einar's voice has grown stronger over the years. The arrangement feels like it should be more of an interlude, yet they sprawl it out for over 15 minutes without the climax you expect.
I suppose 'Jord Til Ljos" is the darker side counterpoint to "Ljos Til Jord it holds a steamier sizzle to how it undulates. By the time I get to "Himindotter" the songs are starting to fade into a background soundtrack, so I have to go back and give another listen. There is both an epic and a celebratory mood to how this one unfurls. The song after this is mroe stripped down. It feels more like a folk song.'Skuggehesten" has the Viking gallop you want from these guys, that sounds like it is about to kick off a piece of historical fiction. There is a darker undercurrent to it, but things take a darker turn with 'Tretale' though it does progress into a more Celtic feeling frolic. They close the album with a more ritualistic piece. It works off a hypnotic chant. It takes you on a journey with varied dynamics while riding the same pulse. This album is impressive, and they have perfected what they do. I will give it a
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