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| #FOR FANS OF: Black/Folk |
The Scandinavian music scene is full of talented musicians, which explains the quantity and quality of projects in the metal scene. The musicianship, displayed in these projects, proves how crucial it is to teach young people to play and love music. It also shows how a single member can create a very competent project with little or no help from other musicians. Today, we focus on one of these intriguing projects, called Häxkapell. It was founded in the northern lands of Sweden by the musician Oraklet, who plays all the instruments except for the drums, with some guest appearances.
After its remarkable debut 'Eldhymmer', and as a celebration of its ten years of existence, the interesting Swedish solo project is back with its sophomore effort, entitled 'Om Jordens Blod Och Urgravens Grepp'. I like the fact that the lyrics are written in Swedish as it gives authenticity and personality to Häxkapell’s music. I have always considered that the black metal genre, where this project is firmly rooted, gives a great room to sing in each own's language, as the genre has proven to be a great portrait of different cultures’ expression. Häxkapell’s musical approach does make a strong connection between this metal subgenre, as its music has an influence from Sweden’s folklore and cultural heritage. Häxkappel’s compositions are not a generic black metal collection of songs, but compositions that have an intimate connection to that land and its history. The wise use of atmosphere and resources like acoustic guitars or folk instruments reinforce this idea. For example, a song like "Vindar Från Förr" successfully combines a strong folk touch thanks to the violin and clean vocals, with the trademark high-pitched screams and the traditional black metal riffing. This essence is also immediately felt in the album opener "Satans Rötter". Its riffs and vocals remind me of the traditional approach of pagan black metal bands, with this barbaric and powerful riffing, hammering drumming, and a great combination of aggressive vocals, which are dominant, and the clean ones. All in all, the purest black metal essence is clearly present in many sections, which sound darker and more aggressive, thanks to the well-known use of tremolo picking. There are many moments to choose, but the listener will easily appreciate it in a quite straightforward composition like "Metamorfos".
The way an album ends is essential, as it leaves you with a greater or worse impression of it. Häxkapell surely was conscious of this fact, and it closes this second album with a magnificent track called "Den Sanna Modern Talar". This is the longest and most epic piece, with an excellent combination of all the elements used by this project throughout 'Om Jordens Blod Och Urgravens Grepp'. It’s a fast, yet varied track that combines folk and black metal elements in a very inspired way, achieving a majestic and energetic tone that makes you headbang like a beast. I personally love how powerful riffs are combined with the violin or the acoustic guitars, and the result sounds so well fused. The excellent clean vocals are also an interesting addition, as they enhance the majestic yet mature tone of this track. This is certainly a tasteful way to end an album.
In conclusion, 'Om Jordens Blod Och Urgravens Grepp' is a step forward as it successfully continues with the fundamentals seen in the first album, but with improved compositions and a great variety, which results in a phenomenal album. (Alain González Artola)
After its remarkable debut 'Eldhymmer', and as a celebration of its ten years of existence, the interesting Swedish solo project is back with its sophomore effort, entitled 'Om Jordens Blod Och Urgravens Grepp'. I like the fact that the lyrics are written in Swedish as it gives authenticity and personality to Häxkapell’s music. I have always considered that the black metal genre, where this project is firmly rooted, gives a great room to sing in each own's language, as the genre has proven to be a great portrait of different cultures’ expression. Häxkapell’s musical approach does make a strong connection between this metal subgenre, as its music has an influence from Sweden’s folklore and cultural heritage. Häxkappel’s compositions are not a generic black metal collection of songs, but compositions that have an intimate connection to that land and its history. The wise use of atmosphere and resources like acoustic guitars or folk instruments reinforce this idea. For example, a song like "Vindar Från Förr" successfully combines a strong folk touch thanks to the violin and clean vocals, with the trademark high-pitched screams and the traditional black metal riffing. This essence is also immediately felt in the album opener "Satans Rötter". Its riffs and vocals remind me of the traditional approach of pagan black metal bands, with this barbaric and powerful riffing, hammering drumming, and a great combination of aggressive vocals, which are dominant, and the clean ones. All in all, the purest black metal essence is clearly present in many sections, which sound darker and more aggressive, thanks to the well-known use of tremolo picking. There are many moments to choose, but the listener will easily appreciate it in a quite straightforward composition like "Metamorfos".
The way an album ends is essential, as it leaves you with a greater or worse impression of it. Häxkapell surely was conscious of this fact, and it closes this second album with a magnificent track called "Den Sanna Modern Talar". This is the longest and most epic piece, with an excellent combination of all the elements used by this project throughout 'Om Jordens Blod Och Urgravens Grepp'. It’s a fast, yet varied track that combines folk and black metal elements in a very inspired way, achieving a majestic and energetic tone that makes you headbang like a beast. I personally love how powerful riffs are combined with the violin or the acoustic guitars, and the result sounds so well fused. The excellent clean vocals are also an interesting addition, as they enhance the majestic yet mature tone of this track. This is certainly a tasteful way to end an album.
In conclusion, 'Om Jordens Blod Och Urgravens Grepp' is a step forward as it successfully continues with the fundamentals seen in the first album, but with improved compositions and a great variety, which results in a phenomenal album. (Alain González Artola)
(Nordvis Produktion - 2025)
Score: 85
https://haxkapell.bandcamp.com/album/om-jordens-blod-och-urgravens-grepp
Score: 85
https://haxkapell.bandcamp.com/album/om-jordens-blod-och-urgravens-grepp