Resonance - Sowulo - Myr
- Sparky
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Sowulo – Niht 9/10
“Sowulo,” (Sun). ‘’As we circle the sun, we feel the cyclical nature of life: day and night, the four seasons, birth and death, and the eternal dance between decay and renewal.’’
The creation of Dutrchman Faber Horbach, Sowulo takes the evocative music of Nordic, Viking, World, and Dark Folk to create his latest masterwork Niht (created from personal loss), a fully riveting cinematic journey delivered with Ritualistic intensity.
From its opener ‘’Niwe Mōna’’ through to closer “Genihtian” Niht is a complete cohesive experience that immerses the listener into a world that explores grief, the superb “Asteorfan” (“to die”) and “Sol ond Mani” (“sun and moon”). Whilst “Monaþblod” (“moon blood”) explores feminine wisdom, performed brilliantly by Micky Huijsmans. It’s a journey into the darkness and embracing the night that employs the of Anglo-Saxon lyrics, and traditional instruments to create hypnotic rhythms that provoke an immediate emotional response. Distinct in its use of a wide range of instruments that include Carnyx, Nyckelharpa, Celtic Harp, Shaman drums, and Blow horns, they play an integral part in the ritual and the progression of the album. Faber has created a vision through personal connection. Niht is an album carved in authenticity and subtle strength, its stuns and captivates, enlightens, and reflects in the most genuine of ways.” Nihteagen” and ‘’Full Mona” are more examples of the incredible musicianship on display.
Niht is a human album that celebrates its opposites and the power of emotion. It is a dark folk wonder that is deeply intense with a tangible atmosphere that creates a complete musical experience. There are hidden surprises and subtleties to be enjoyed on first or tenth listen; it is an album that reflects and defines the human spirit. Superb
Myr – Helvegen 8/10
Svartan (Vocals/Guitars) and TZommer (Guitars) are the two Norwegian musicians who comprise the mystical outfit that is Myr, a project that aims to capture the spirit and ethos of black metal on their debut release Helvegen.
From Its Grandiose Opener “December Coma” with its icy winds and mid-tempo assault, Myr create epic soundscapes that honour the rich tradition of Scandinavian black metal full of passion and power, the Bathory influence in their work is undeniable (In Perpetum complete with haunting child vocals) as is the Dissection and Satyricon touches, yet Myr make it their own. The rhythmic double kick work is excellent, and the bass lines that complement it. Brennt is full of spiteful blast beats and frantic tremolo, cold in its assault and thunderous in its rage, its acoustic bridge leading in a marching rhythm of excellent guitar work. Rokkr with its acoustic melody and gentle saxophone, is a surprising touch on a track that is unafraid to experiment and enter new realms of atmosphere. Saturnine Child has the huge Bathory-esque annotations that summon images of the landscape before delving into a ferocious vocal delivery (backed by mysterious keyboards) it is an epic track full of time changes and dynamics. Proch is the haunting acoustic instrumental passage, before the fury that is Tungsten and its epic closer the mighty Kaldr that that takes you to truly cinematic territory with its mid tempos and evocative passages, a true highlight.
Unapologetic, intense and haunting, Helvegen is a sonic experience that is a must for fans of Scandinavian black metal. A debut album that feels cohesive and complete, it is an accomplished piece of extreme art, sweeping and majestic, frightening and intense in equal measure. Myr are creators of extremes, backed by an incredible vocal delivery and the confidence to pay homage and progress in equal measure.
Comments