Info
- Band(s): Hedenskfrid
- Label(s): Hellthrasher Productions
- Release Format(s): CD, EP
- Release Year: 2023
- Review Date: July 27, 2023
- Author(s): VincentP
A cover showing a view through the trees on a lake with far away hills is certainly a captivating sight. And the same nature-inspired approach seems to have taken a deep root in the music on the debut EP of the Finnish band Hedenskfrid as well. The band, containing members of Norrhem, Malum and the Chamberlain to name a few, conveys their adoration for their motherland through four atmospheric Black Metal tracks on ‘Isänmaan Kasvot’, which aptly translates to ‘The Face of the Motherland’.
Musically, the first band that comes to mind when hearing Hedenskfrid is Kalmankantaja. These fellow Finns have mastered many aspects of atmospheric Black Metal, and ‘Isänmaan Kasvot’ appears to contain a lot of the redeeming qualities of their apparent source of inspiration. In the vast Kalmankantaja discography there are quite some differences in how the genre is approached, and in the case of Hedenskfrid we find a fair bit of variation contained within the tracks as well. ‘Áiligas’ bears a ferocious tempo with thundering drums and soothing atmospheric background keyboards. That is not to say the pace is monotonous, far from it. The more mid-tempo strumming of both distorted and clean guitars provide refreshing breaks in between the raging sections, but also the drums vary greatly as the 12-minute song progresses. ‘Hymni’ does its translation, ‘Anthem’ justice, providing an altogether more epic midtempo song adorned with guest choirs courtesy of Pyhä Kuolema. With clear melodies throughout and a beautiful atmospheric acoustic ending, the song is certainly more on the catchy side. The finger tapping melodies from the predecessor are carried throughout the length of the title track, providing a pulse which carries a stronger Pagan slant. While powerfully pushing ahead, the song presents a slightly colder and more yearning sound. Closing track ‘Maamme’ is again a somewhat more epic song with some excellent atypical drum patterns and clean vocals, and its strong melody with a hint of melancholy closes off the EP in style.
There is no short supply of atmospheric Black Metal bands these last years. But with a strong and balanced sound that allows to combine the powerful, the grandiose and the enchanting elements of Hedenskfrid’s music,‘Isänmaan Kasvot’ is quite the impressive debut showing a lot of potential for the future. Released digitally through the band’s Bandcamp page for now, expect a physical release on CD in early August through Hellthrasher Productions.
Hellthrasher Productions
- Country: Poland
- Style: Death Metal, Black Metal, Thrash Metal
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Youtube
