Helheim – HrabnaR / Ad vesa
Release Date: 20th June 2025
Label: Dark Essence Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Progressive Black Metal, Viking Metal, Melodic Black Metal, Black Metal.
FFO: Enslaved, Djevel, Taake, Whoredom Rife, Hauntologist.
Review By: Rick Farley
HrabnaR / Ad vesa the twelve studio album from Norwegian black metal legends Helheim, is a type of album that I wish more already accomplished artists would experiment with a bit more. Not entirely a new concept by any means, but still groundbreaking in many ways. Both primary songwriters V’gandr and H’grimnir have decided to split the full album up into two separate musical sections with each being written solely by one person as well as either one doing the vocals for their own creation. The result is two distinct but cohesive expressions of Helheim’s music. Anyone that’s already familiar with the band knows that they are definitely not afraid to experiment with challenging soundscapes. The frequent shifts in moods and direction from album to album is one of the things that appeals to me. Their debut Jormundgand was released in 1995, and the band has been blazing trails ever since. Besides Enslaved, I can’t think of another band doing it this long and still being this daring in the black metal realm, but also able to maintain respect from the genre as well as keep its original fiery spirit.
The first half of the album HrabnaR is four standalone tracks penned by H’grimnir, marking a slightly more aggressive take on the record than the second half of the record, while still offering plenty of atmosphere. Opener Giest is a tormented blast of fierce black metal and shrieking vocals. A cleanly sung chorus line maintains a Norse melody to it, making the song a mix of nasty, enveloping guitars, relentless drumming from Hrymr and progressive atmospheres merging together for a gripping listen. Sorg er dødens spade (Sorrow is Death’s Spade) has a melancholic black ‘n’ roll feel which also leans into clean vocals at times, giving an ethereal quality that still slings some swaggering hooks beyond its richly haunting nature. This first chapter offers a profound journey through heaviness, reflection, and plenty of dynamic atmosphere.
The second half of the record Ad vesa from V’gandr digs deep into Norse metaphysical concepts, exploring the four components of the human soul according to pre-Christian beliefs: Fylgja (fate), Hamr (outer form), Hugr (mind), and Hamingja (luck). Complex mythology that’s interesting to learn about, as well as Helheim’s knack for bringing these concepts to life musically.
Track five Fylgja which is the first of the second half, is a definitively wicked version of black n roll with progressive tendencies. Heavy, groove minded black metal with a simple beat to enhance its gnarliness. The harsh vocals are more coarse and raspy, less shrieking than the first half, but just as effective. Somewhere towards the middle, small elements of krautrock vibes brighten up the already established riff. The track carries onward to become a little more cosmic, it gets more progressive minded as if it’s just freely floating away. Hugr begins with an acoustic passage and harmonics that leads to distorted spidery guitars, synths, and a driving pace of chest pounding drums. The second half of the record is equally good but has more quirkiness and experimentation to it.
The differences between the two sections makes for an incredibly satisfying listen. Because the band has been together for so long, HrabnaR / Ad vesa is an engaging record that doesn’t feel disjointed in the slightest. For black metal, the production is outstanding, raw enough, fuzzy, and with plenty of organic airiness. It’s harsh sounding but still inviting. Honestly, I can stop here and just say this is a hell of a record that you should be all over, like immediately.
(4.5 / 5)
