I remember finding these guys rather interesting after seeing them live a couple of years ago. I never got around to checking them out before now, and I was in for a pretty nice surprise. Being pretty unfamiliar with Helheim’s earlier releases, it has been coming to my knowledge that they’ve taken a slight more progressive direction on this record. The Journeys and the Experiences of Death is a concept album dealing with different deathcults from norse mythology and their visions about life after death. Helheim’s sound is raw, but not too raw. The vocals vary between deep growling and grinding. The guitar riffing is intense, and you’ll hear some Emperor influences here and there. Occasional use of keys and acoustic guitars sets a dark and moody atmosphere, which suits the concept of the album properly.

The songs vary from sheer intensity to more melodic songs and even an epic piece. Veneration of the dead and Dead man’s eyes kicks things off in a brutal manner, and makes you want to bang your head to the beat of the drums. The riffs are fast and diverse, there are dark melodic touches created by the keys, and the drums are pounding at an incredible speed. On The Bewitchment and The 2nd death, Helheim shows off their more melodic sound. The Bewitchment is a pure Viking anthem with a chanting chorus, anthemic riffs and powerful melodies. And then there’s the epic side. Album highlight Oaken Dragons clocks for over nine minutes, and the fast and chopping tremolo riffs are put aside. Operatic vocals by Big Boss ROOT add a chilly touch to the dark atmosphere.

All in all this is a great and varied black metal release. Combining both intense, Emperor’esque riffs with occasional proggy sections similar to Enslaved, the Vikings from Bergen has created a name for themselves. With this, they have built a firm establishment in the Norwegian black metal scene. There’s only one thing left to say:

LOCK UP YOUR WIFES, AND FILL YOUR BARRELS WITH MEAD!! HELHEIM IS COMING!