What makes Det som varit ÄR by Hel notable?

Det som varit ÄR gained significant attention within the Viking rock community, earning praise for its authentic representation of Nordic themes and melodic structures. The album helped to further popularize the Viking rock genre in Sweden and influenced numerous bands that followed, contributing to a resurgence of interest in Norse mythology and history within heavy music. Upon releasing Det som varit ÄR, Hel was solidifying their presence in the Viking rock scene, having formed just a few years earlier in 2000. This album marked their debut full-length release, showcasing an evolution from their earlier demos and establishing them as a unique voice in the genre.

How many songs are on Det som varit ÄR?

Det som varit ÄR has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Det som varit ÄR

Hel · 2003

41 min · 10 tracks · viking rock

A ferocious blend of heavy guitars and traditional melodies, echoing the ancient spirit of Viking heritage.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Doften av ångest — This track opens the album with haunting melodies intertwined with aggressive guitar riffs, setting the tone for the rest of the record while showcasing Hel's lyrical depth.
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Spikar i mitt hjärta — The song features emotionally charged lyrics that explore themes of love and pain, making it relatable while maintaining a strong melodic foundation characteristic of Viking rock.
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Fria norr — Closing the album, this nearly fourteen-minute epic combines intricate instrumentation and thematic storytelling, encapsulating Hel's artistic vision and connection to their cultural roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Foothills

Higher than 29% of albums we've rated

The album effectively combines heavy rock with traditional melodies, showcasing its Viking rock identity while maintaining a solid structure.

What we noticed

The album opens with a heavy guitar riff that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
Traditional Nordic instruments are interspersed throughout the songs, blending seamlessly with electric guitars and drums.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel typical of Viking themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Doften av ångest 3:31
2 Spikar i mitt hjärta 3:05
3 För evigt farväl 3:15
4 Vildjursjakt 2:58
5 Moders Barm 3:01
6 Skrivet i mitt blod 2:53
7 Två världar 3:22
8 Den frälste 2:51
9 Timglas 2:58
10 Fria norr 13:59

What to play next

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Bortglömda tid

2002

Full Hel discography Artists like Hel

viking rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata