Author: Rok Klemše
Artist: Vreid
Label: Indie Recordings
Release: 2007
Unstoppable Norwegians Vreid are back with a new release, I Krig (In War), just over a year after their last one, Pitch Black Brigade (2006). The young band rose from the ashes of the cult Norwegian outfit Windir after the tragic death of frontman Valfar. So it’s no surprise that the group, made up of three former Windir members and a new guitarist, works elements of the Windir sound into its music, but they carved out their own niche by mixing those elements with thrash metal. They’re by no means ashamed of their history, and Vreid are miles from being some Windir copy, but they remember their role models with respect and keep Valfar’s memory alive.
If the band’s first two releases, Kraft and Pitch Black Brigade, were a kind of search for themselves, for a sound of their own, I Krig might be the most consistent and distinctive record they’ve made. As someone who loved those first two albums, I expected more of the same here, but nothing could have prepared me for the excellent, explosive “Black n’ Roll”. Elements of the Windir sound still pop up, but compared to the previous releases they’ve taken on a darker edge that doesn’t grab your attention quite as fast. I Krig weaves together traditional black metal and almost Motörhead-style rock n’ roll passages, topped off with the occasional melancholic, folksy violin, especially in the incredible title track. This unique blend makes for a very mature-sounding record that fits the album’s more serious, gloomier theme perfectly. I Krig is based on the poetry of Norwegian poet Gunnar Reiss-Andersen, which describes the Norwegian resistance during World War II. That’s exactly where another approach sets Vreid apart from typical black metal, which glorifies violent, “gore” themes.
With I Krig, Vreid pulled off a perfect mix of diverse elements and influences, bundled into nine excellent songs. In the opening track Jarnbyrd, they even tip their hat to the cult Blue Oyster Cult song (Don’t Fear) the Reaper with a cowbell. Under Isen pushes massive guitars to the front and wrings every last drop out of the cymbals. In the title track I Krig, they take us on a journey through Vreid’s musical world that starts with a mournful violin, moves on to acoustic guitars and finally explodes into furious black metal. Svart is a truly epic creation that recalls Windir in the days of Arntor or 1184, and reminds us of Valfar’s incredible legacy. Folkefiendar is a perfect shockwave of black/thrash metal, while Millom Hav Og Fjell fairly brims with a triumphant finale that kicks off with folk melodies and tips over into black metal riffing of epic grandeur!
The production is superb, crystal clear and razor sharp, with every single instrument coming through nicely, even the bass, which is usually buried in black metal and which Hvall drives like there’s a bet on it. The guitars are incredible, ranging from brutal black metal sawing to melodic riffing and infectious hooks. Sture is vocally outstanding, mixing black metal growls, spoken parts and cleaner singing. With I Krig, Vreid have reached their creative peak, moving on from their past without betraying or forgetting it. I Krig will almost certainly be one of the best “underground” releases of the year, and it should finally earn Vreid the recognition they more than deserve. They’ve already scored a high spot on the Norwegian national chart. The future is bright!
Line-up
Hvàll (Jarle Kvåle): bass guitar
Steingrim (Jørn Holen): drums
Sture (Sture Dingsøyr): vocals, guitar
Ese: guitar
Production
Vreid
Tracklist
1. Jarnbyrd
2. Under Isen
3. I Krig
4. Væpna Lengsel
5. Svart
6. Dei Daude Steig Av Grav
7. Folkefiendar
8. Fangegard
9. Millom Hav Og Fjell
