Voluspaa are a Norwegian metal band who combine the beauty of black, Viking, folk and acoustic metal music. Apparently the mastermind behind this outfit is Freddy Skogstad. He is basically a one man band who acquires help from fellow musicians to make this music come alive. They utilise a variety of instruments and styles. Since 1994, Voluspaa have released only a few demo's and full length CDs. None of which I have ever heard prior to this day. Going by their musical description,
I know I am about to indulge in some amazing music.
Av Sin Klokskap - The entrance into this album is filled with the beautiful ambience of acoustic guitar, cello and a gentle, feminine choir. The metal soon presents itself in a rhythmic yet hypnotic manner. The pace begins slow and charming. It is at 02:23 the music begins to take on another form. At 02:36 the scourge arrives; relentless and cruel. I cannot translate Norwegian to English though I feel the music is portraying the religious invasion in Norway and the grievance this caused. The music has such atmosphere, one can lose themself completely. This track ends with a gentle, peaceful outro. Has the elder of the invaded village slowly died at the arms of his beloved?
"Av sin klokskap bør enn ikke skryte, Far heller varsømt med vettet, Når en klok og fåmælt kommer til gards, Går det sjeldent ham galt..."
Hennes Røst - This song starts off with an instant aural assault. The atmosphere created by Voluspaa tells me the villagers have taken up arms against their invaders. There is fury amidst the music; an anger which needs resolve. Perhaps someone has found the weeping widow and declared revenge on her behalf. This challenger then takes to horseback and strides over the snow filled landscape and arrives at a cliffs edge and observes further carnage at the town below. The vocal harmonies help to guide my story as I indulge in their ambience. The deathly vocals blend very well into the music, so much so, they create a smooth tone. This music has been engineered very well. This is becoming a truly epic album for me.
"Hennes røst roper etter hjelp, Hennes tårer renner, Blod drypper som tårer, Og jeg strekker ut min hånd..."
Reis Deg Min Herre - Here we have the longest track on the album at 06:46 and it starts out with a masculine harmony / chant. I can configure this is my mind to portray a Viking funeral. Perhaps the town below was merely an aftermath so the challenger realises, "It's too late. They must have headed in the other direction" He then sets off on his horse after them. The music quickens as does the pursuit. He is then confronted with more death as he passes another's funeral. The feminine vocals give pause to understand what you are seeing. More men, women and children mindlessly slaughtered. He realises this is bigger than he thought, and decides he'll need to gather a force. He sits upon his horse observing the carnage and lets it all sink in. The song ends as it begun with the eerie male harmonies.
"Hellig er vårt norske land, Hellig er vårt rike, Reis deg min herre, reis deg min gud... "
Hvorfor... - An acoustic guitar and violin ignite the folk essence into this next track. And of course our mind explosion continues. It is time to round up the men and put an end to this madness. He consoles his fellow man along the way. The music has so much atmosphere and depth to it that it is hard not to lose yourself in its glory. The drums are very creative amidst these tracks as well as remaining consistent throughout. The musical structure is brilliant as they place the changes at perfect intervals. When I close my eyes, I am watching an amazing Norwegian film with a brilliant score. When music can convey such transcending dimensions, I must recommend this to all.
"Lyse slukes av mørket og natten siver inn over oss, Kulden kommer krypende. Ensomheten synker inn..."
Djupet - This track is very heavy and seems to yield a depth of a different kind. The music seems to represent the struggle within. If we continue on with my own minds spiel you could perhaps consider our challenger as struggling with his own religious views, his family and those closest to him, his neighbours close and far and what is happening to his country in general. He must decide which path to take; which is right, which is just and which has less death. It is another hypnotic piece filled with beauty and torment.
"Dypet inn i deg selv, der ingen kan deg se, Så ensomt, så kaldt, Så vakkert, så herlig... "
En Hymne Til Våre Udødelige Forfedre - A classical ensemble lights the way into this next track. The pace is catchy and the music is adorned with violins and piano as well as the usual guitars and drums. It is easy to over indulge inside your mind. It is another great piece by Voluspaa.
" I evig tid skal vi ofre og slakte, vi er av ekte viking ætt, Norge er vårt land fylt med blod og ære..."
Ei Folkevise - Here we have the second longest track on the album at 06:22 and it starts with a solemn cello. The music throughout this track is enchanting as are the beautiful femme vocals. In the imagination our hero has found inspiration through a Norwegian angel. He swears to protect her but must soldier onward. Musically, this is an eerie piece; sorrow filled yet encouraged. It is different from the others thus far and helps make this album even more interesting.
"Jeg skal vandre over, Høye fjell og dype daler, Til jeg ser deg komme, Du må stå frem igjen..."
Mens Månen Lyser - This track emanates a haunting atmosphere; slow and macabre. It is musically comprised of a piano, acoustic guitar, violin and vocal arrangement. It is reminiscent of an aching heart.
"Mens månen lyser opp det tåkelagte tjern, I skogens mektige favn..."
Min Plikt Som Far - The sounds of the ocean lure us into this next track. It is much like we are setting sail across the sea to battle our invaders on their own soil, flooded with memories of all that has happened, inspiring us only to hurry our mission. The music thrashes out the emotion; the love, the hate, the beauty, the death. It is captivating.
"Ja jeg må ut igjen, som så mange ganger før, Ut for at vi skal lære mer..."
Vandring - The introduction to this piece is fierce. It is a black metal feast with sound engineered clarity and an alluring overall atmosphere. It is perfectly placed upon this album as it relays the departure of the men off the ship and their new found journey into these unknown lands. They alight with solidarity and strength and vengeance in their hearts.
"Porten til de av lyset skal knuses, Horger ska latter gjenoppstå, Valkjyrer skal fly..."
En Tid Tilbake - The finale begins with the eerie sounds of horns and hollers and what can only be the final battle. Each cymbal hit is the clash of a sword. The constant vocal harmonising in the background is the constant roar over the battlefield. There are words spoken throughout this track which creates a whole new level of depth and eeriness to it all. It is much like when a movie slows the visuals right down and you hear their thoughts or see their memories flooding through. It is truly a fantastic arrangement. The way this piece ended was much like me just snapping out of this violent daydream and having it come to a sudden halt. Like walking out with the end credits still rolling. Were they victorious? We'll never know, we were left watching them slaying each other upon the battlefield when the credits started rolling.
"Alle mann i land, Og møt det vi nå møter, Vis dem respekt, Men vær på vakt..."
In essence, Voluspaa have created a fantastic epic masterpiece for us all to enjoy! It is filled with black metal, folk music and an enchanting atmosphere. As soon as it begins you will be swept away in to another realm. Albums like this are hard to come by and I must recommend you get off your butt right now and go and buy this amazing album! The artwork upon the CD and within the sleeve is brilliant. It is filled with all the lyrics (in Norwegian), explanations of each track (in English), band information and a detailed thanks list. An amazing album inside and out. A definite must for the collection!
LINKS
Voluspaa Website
Voluspaa Myspace
Voluspaa Facebook
Aurora Australis Records
Review by Déa di Morté © 24 June 2010
All pictures and lyrical extracts courtesy of Voluspaa and Aurora Australis Records
