The debut album from the Icelandic/Czech black metal project
SIGURÐUR is out today!
Order LP Order CDOrder Digital / StreamDeeply inspired by Norse mythology, Icelandic landscape and the atmosphere of the old Scandinavian scene, the project combines raw black metal with atmospheric passages, ritual elements and cinematic storytelling. "
Niu lif Einars hravns" follows the symbolic journey of Einarr - a wandering soul repeatedly returning in the form of a raven through darkness, death and memory.
Sigurður thus weaves a sophisticated and often rigorous connection between the musical and textual planes. Referencing tradition and identity, the record also features a variation on an old Icelandic lullaby and a chorale using the lyrics by the Icelandic poet Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614–1674). The album also features guests such as
Ashok (ex-Root, ex-Cradle of Filth) and
Veronika Royna of the National Theatre Prague on "Kólga",
Aðalbjörn Tryggvason (Sólstafir) on "Fenrir" and
Jim "BigBoss" Valler (Root) on "Midgardsormr".
Available on a180g Gatefold LP - divided between 100 in "Volcanic Ash" variant and 100 in black vinyl as well as on digipack CD with a 24 page booklet. Both physical formats include the lyrics in Icelandic, Czech, and English.
"With Nine Lives of Einarr the Raven, SIGURÐUR deliver a remarkably atmospheric and emotionally captivating black metal experience. Crushing guitar riffs, relentless drumming and sinister vocal performances create an oppressive foundation, while haunting melodies, delicate piano passages and beautifully expressive guest contributions introduce considerable emotional depth. Particularly impressive is the album's ability to shift between raw aggression and almost hypnotic tranquillity."-Headbangers Australia
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