Released 8 years ago this October
Sorgir
Skálmöld · 2018
54 min · 9 tracks · folk metal
Epic Viking metal infused with haunting melodies and powerful storytelling, blending traditional folk elements with heavy instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sverðið — This track exemplifies the album's fusion of aggressive instrumentation with melodic elements, showcasing both the band's heavy side and their lyrical storytelling rooted in Norse mythology.
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Barnið — With its poignant lyrics addressing themes of innocence and loss, this track stands out for its emotional weight amidst the heavier musical backdrop, demonstrating Skálmöld's versatility.
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Mara — The closing track features a dramatic build-up and a rich narrative that encapsulates the album's overall theme of struggle against dark forces, making it a powerful finale.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends folk and metal elements, showcasing strong compositions and cohesive storytelling.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a choral introduction that sets a grand tone, followed by heavy guitar riffs that establish the metal foundation.
- Each track features shifts in dynamics, alternating between melodic passages and aggressive instrumentation, creating a sense of storytelling.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional Icelandic instruments alongside electric guitars, blending folk elements seamlessly into the metal framework.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- epic soundscapes for exploration
- cathartic energy release moments
- immersive storytelling through music
- dynamic shifts in intensity
- for late-night journeys
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy, complex compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Sorgir is Skálmöld's fifth studio album, released after their 2014 album Með Vættum, marking a period of artistic maturation for the band. By this point, they had established themselves within the folk and Viking metal scenes, building on their previous successes to refine their sound and lyrical narratives.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ensiferum· Amon Amarth· Korpiklaani
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ljósið 5:13
- 2 Sverðið 6:34
- 3 Brúnin 4:43
- 4 Barnið 4:45
- 5 Skotta 6:54
- 6 Gangári 4:32
- 7 Móri 6:39
- 8 Mara 8:20
- 9 Höndin sem veggina klórar 6:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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