Bort från vår jord! The desert gods are not welcome here. If you ever need a soundtrack to your appreciation of the mysteries and secrets that lie in the Northern spirit and nature, look no further than EHLDER’s debut ”Nordabetraktelse”. A defiant warcry full in the face of feeble parasites of soil and spirit, this creation of Graavehlder (LIK, ex-ARMAGEDDA, ex-LÖNNDOM) conjures a pagan storm rooted in black metal, that increases in strength the longer it rages in your heart.
The first song, ”Stridskall”, starts off with blast beats and a riff that signifies the sound of EHLDER very well: a melancholic yet vital tremolo line on top of a repetitive and unyielding foundation. Just like an old and majestic tree, standing on top of a mountain, overlooking the dense valley below. On top of this a proud proclamation of Nordic heritage and a call to arms and finally, after three minutes, the tension is released as the next riff unleashes vitriol and violence onto us. Graavehlder’s unmistakable, hatefully articulate, rasp declares his love and respect for the beautiful nature around us. Life and death are inseparable, and through our surroundings we breathe the eternity.
The song’s structure is very linear, as only one part is repeated, and that only once, throughout the 9-minute track. This linearity is a common occurrence on ”Nordabetraktelse”. The high repetition value of each part lets them develop in full, and the tension-release construction is highly effective. Small arranging details bring variation within the riffs, like a subtle and ambient keyboard line or the onset or departure of vocals. All of this creates a heightened atmosphere, as one gets strongly familiarized with the songs’ elements, and the feeling of being on a mysterious journey into and beyond the Northern landscapes is strongly prevalent. It’s shocking how something so primitive, simple and harsh can sound so elegant and beautiful when done right.
EHLDER’s debut also holds melodies highly inspired by traditional folk tunes, as well as groovy, almost danceable, sections with rocking drum beats and riffs. Some riffs are also played in odd periods and scales, which, when utilized correctly like here, sound organic and unforced, and add to the mysterious atmosphere. The diverse vocals range from the enraged snarling to passionate clear vocal melodies, with demented howls and magniloquent promulgations adding to the vehement delivery. And that drum outro! Five minutes of pure channeling of emotion. Such a confident way to end the record, and instill a feeling of strength, pride and belonging to the listener.
All in all, this is one of the most impressive debuts I’ve heard in a long while, but then again Graavehlder is no rookie, and ”Nordabetraktelse” is as mature a record as they come. The prevailing theme of the album is one of pride and strength, and the pulse and beats of the songs really resonate on a deeper level with me. The sense of belonging and familiarity is strong even though the music is filled with jagged edges and hostility. Do not stand in the way of the EHLDER storm – join forces! Bort från vår jord!
Rating: 90/100
Information
Released: 2019
Label: Nordvis Produktion
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Band
Graavehlder: vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards
Villehard: drums
Tracklist
01. Stridskall
02. Ändlös
03. Döden i en döende kropp
04. Hedningradrapa
05. Gammelmod
06. Tagen
07. Varerytm i Varganord
Gospel of Crom 