Skálmöld – Ýdalir
Skálmöld – Ýdalir
Napalm Records
08/18/23
Running Time: 45:07
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8/10
Five years after their last release, Icelandic Viking metal giants Skálmöld are back with their latest full length album “Ýdalir”, via Nuclear Blast records. ‘Viking metal?’ I thought to myself. This conjures up many predictions as to what their sound could be like. A strong power metal backbone with traditional folk instruments. Maybe even some lyrics sung in the native tongue? Either way, Nuclear Blast almost always produces top quality records and wouldn’t sign an inferior product. Let’s get straight into it!
The album opens with the instrumental track ‘Ýr’. Just one problem – I wasn’t expecting to fall in love! Honestly, I must have listened to this delightful opener six times, before having to continue the review and give the other songs the same adoration and attention. Built around soothing melodies from string instruments and pipes, this expertly adds that traditional Viking element I had predicted. This paints an image of Icelandic scenery in my mind’s eye, looking down over the Icelandic mountains, waterfalls, and shores from a bird’s eye view. A powerful opening.
Throughout the album, we can hear evidence of that galloping power metal rhythm synonymous with the genre. Perhaps most prominent in the title track ‘Ýdalir’, and ‘Veðurfölnir’. The kind of speedy rhythms that will get you bobbing your head along, rapidly nodding in approval. Far from a one trick pony, they can grind the pace right down. Whether it’s for more of a grungy effect during ‘Skuld’ (perhaps the heaviest song on the album), or a slower ballad type feel to ‘Ratatoskur’. The latter features a Mediaeval style melody, which I felt was delightful, perhaps inspired by the likes of Blind Guardian, giving the track an epic fantasy feel. The traditional folk elements are used sparingly throughout the album. When called upon, they have maximum impact. Check out the pipe introduction to ‘Verðandi’, as well as the calmer string section in the middle of the song for evidence.
I think the real strengths to the band lie within the guitarists, and what can only be described as some absolutely epic guitar work. Whether it’s in ‘Ýdalir’, ‘Ratatoskur’, or the jaw dropping solo in ‘Skuld’, it’s clear all three guitarists prioritise emotion and feel over needless complexity. Each note is carefully selected and added to the sequence in each solo, whilst the tone has clearly been crafted from hours of careful attention to detail in the studio.
As far as instruments go, I’m impressed. Vocally… well I’m in two minds here. Honestly, the growling vocals don’t work for me! I tried, but for me they just feel far too overpowering and sitting too high in the mix. They don’t suit the power metal style feel either. I’d go as far as saying that the heavier vocal style is what’s preventing this album (a good album) from being very good or excellent! However, when the band utilise cleaner vocals and those sang almost in a folk chant, this is something unique and adds to that folk vibe. Especially considering that they’re singing in (what I’m assuming is) their native Icelandic language. I think the opening to ‘Níðhöggur’ sums this up best – I urge you to check out this spine chilling chant! Let’s face it; metal is dominated by English speaking bands. It’s hard to really ‘breakthrough’ singing in a foreign language. However, younger me was drawn to bands like Tyr and Solstafir, especially tracks sung in their native Faroese and Icelandic, respectively. I found this to be very refreshing and sparked my curiosity and sense of adventure. I get a similar vibe with Skálmöld. I would love a deeper dive into the language and story behind the songs.
To recap, I think the calmer cleaner vocals are a major strength for the band. A strength alongside their power style spine, folk elements, and epic guitar solos, all of which I was thinking I’d like to hear songs built around these in their next release. No need to wait for that though as all these elements feature in the album’s final song, ‘Ullur’. A near eleven-minute long epic, this truly encapsulates everything wonderful and unique about the band. If I was to introduce the band to somebody – and I probably will soon after the album’s release – I’ll happily direct them to this one song!
Overall, “Ýdalir” is a valiant effort, a statement and ode to the band’s proud Viking roots. This was everything I expected, and more.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Ýr
02. Ýdalir
03. Urður
04. Ratatoskur
05. Verðandi
06. Veðurfölnir
07. Skuld
08. Níðhöggur
09. Ullur
LINE-UP:
Baldur Ragnarsson – Guitar, vocals
Björgvin Sigurðsson – Vocals, guitar
Gunnar Ben – Keyboard, vocals, oboe
Jón Geir Jóhannsson – Drums, vocals
Snæbjörn Ragnarsson – Bass, vocals
Þráinn Árni Baldvinsson – Lead guitar, vocals
LINKS:
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