Ereb Altor – Hälsingemörker Review

The first review I read about Queenrÿche “The Warning;” many, but many years ago, the review said happily that he was the eyewitness of the evolution of Heavy Metal. Well, Queenrÿche are the responsabile for releasing what is considered the first Prog Metal album 1988’s “Operation: Mindcrime.” Back then I did not quite understand the meaning of the statement. It took me years to get it right.

I felt just the same way while listening to Ereb Altor “Hälsingemörker,” an album that mixes many Metal music features in order to get an identity. The thing is that “Hälsingemörker” remains to be a Heavy Metal album even though the Extreme Metal vocals here and there and some folk music and intent here and there as well. From heartwarming album opener “Valkyrian Fate” to the moody and shoegazed grand finale “The Lake of Blood” the album surprises.

Athough “Hälsingemörker” does not have all the elements to be considered a concept album, there is a link between all the racks that is the viking thematic. Ereb Altor tried to convert into music the magnificent landscapes of Scandinavia. Well, to some extent, I guess they did it with flying colors. On the other hand, the album with its complex textures through vocals and instrumentals make the fan go right through it.

I was surprinsingly welcomed by the heartwarming album opener “Valkyrian Fate” and its pungent guitars embellished by impressive background features. “Valkyrian Fate” shows the fan everything Ereb Altor are capable of doing regarding to vocals. It’s very interesting the blend between clean and harsh vocals here. This is something that it is done throughout the album. Interestingly, it is the Old School Heavy Metal guitars that connect musically the album. I mean, they give the tone and hold the lines so the band can mix whatever they think it is fit.

If my dear child if the night pays close attention, he/she will notice “Hälsingemörker” goes in a decrescendo in terms of fury and velocity. “Träldom” is the track that gives this tone incorporating Melodic Black Metal features. The album lacks in fury and velocity, but it does not lack one inch of identity and power.

Well, from where I’m standing, “Hälsingemörker” is an album that showcases the step ahead Heavy Metal is taking. It is the tradition with modern elements without getting modern, if you know what I mean.

Ereb Altor “Hälsingemörker” was released on February 07th via Hammerheart Records.

Track Listing:

1. Valkyrian Fate
2. Hälsingemörker
3. Ättestupan
4. Vi Är Mörkret
5. Träldom
6. The Waves, The Sky and the Pyre
7. The Last Step
8. Midvinter (deluxe edition bonustrack)
9. Skogsrået (deluxe edition bonustrack)
10. The Lake of Blood (deluxe edition bonustrack)

Watch “Valkyrian Fate” official music video here: