Interest in Norse mythology has been going through a resurgence what with ‘The Avengers’ film franchise, and video games such as ‘Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice’, ‘God Of War’ (2018), and ‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’. Viking metal is by no means a new invention but it is one which doesn’t get that much attention. Serving up another slice of the Norse pie is Canadian band Valfreya with new single ‘Warlords’.
The band’s name finds its roots within Norse mythology, combining an alias for Odin, Valföðr (meaning ‘Father of the Slain’), and Freya (goddess of death, among other things, and referred to as ‘Receiver of the Slain’). Rooted so deeply within such rich lore, it’s no surprise that Valfreya’s blend of symphonic and black metal transport you to one of a fleet of Viking longships sailing into battle. Violins from Maude Théberge hold sinister connotations as they swirl over the pounding drums of war through the intro. Corinne Cardinal’s black metal bark borders on the barbaric as it sails on the rippling guitar riffs.
Shortly after the first chorus, ‘Warlords’ shifts from the battlefield to the exquisite paranormal as acoustic guitar and strings sweep you to the perspective of a soothsayer. The purpose of this seer is to translate the god’s wishes and intentions for their Norse or Dane warriors. Veiled in mystery, dreamy operatic vocals spin their prophecies. Swirling in eddies beneath Cardinal’s words, soft guitar melodies elevate the atmosphere until, finally, the battlefield becomes saturated with bloodlust, the masculine undertones of the gang chorus dominate and haunt the senses into submission. The scream of the strings in the springing guitar solo lay the soundtrack for a battle of the ages where many souls will be carried to Valhalla by the Valkyries.
Taken from the upcoming fifth album Promised Land due in late 2021/early 2022, ‘Warlords’ pays homage to the drengr of old with an epic soundscape full of glory hunting swagger. While it may not garner the attention sea shanties have as of late, you can be sure the All Father is pleased with this tasty morsel of Viking metal.
‘Warlords’ is available now across all streaming platforms. For the latest news from Valfreya, including new releases and upcoming tour dates, you can visit their website, or follow their social medias linked below.
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