Sólstafir – Hin Helga Kvöl
Release Date: 8th November 2024
Label: Century Media
Bandcamp
Genre: Post-Metal, Post-Rock, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Black Metal, Psych Rock, Dark Rock.
FFO: Kontinuum, Ulver, Agalloch, Impure Wilhelmina.
Review By: Ceta
Sólstafir has been around for decades, and despite numerous changes in its sound, the band has maintained a certain Rock ‘n’ Roll essence long enough to build a dedicated fanbase. They’ve produced some remarkable albums in their discography, so my expectations for Hin Helga Kvöl are solid—not sky-high, but certainly high enough to hope for a strong album.
First, let’s get something out of the way: I have yet to feel as captivated as I was by albums like Ótta or Köld, though I appreciate the band’s commitment to experimentation. They refuse to confine themselves to a single genre, whether it’s post-rock, black metal, or Rock ‘n’ Roll. Hin Helga Kvöl draws from a range of influences, though it feels more direct than previous releases. In fact, it reminded me of this year’s Valletta release. While the opening tracks may initially hint at a return to traditional Norwegian black metal, the album quickly transitions toward the signature sound the band has honed over the last 15 years—a sound that seems here to stay.
Hin Helga Kvöl still delivers elements that fans have come to expect from Sólstafir. The album evokes imagery of Iceland’s vast, treeless landscapes, cold isolation, and underlying volcanic power. It captures the essence of traversing a glacier, reflecting a unique blend of extremes. Interestingly, Sólstafir channels a “highway metal” vibe, despite Iceland having only one main road. Nevertheless, Hin Helga Kvöl successfully integrates elements from the band’s different eras into a cohesive whole.
As for this “new” approach to songwriting, it’s hard to say if I prefer it. It’s certainly a breath of fresh air, though I’m still considering whether this direction fully showcases their strengths. Many listeners who found their previous work less accessible may find this album more engaging, as it emphasizes hooks and catchy lines over the slower, colder vibe that requires seven minutes to build up. I don’t believe this album will be divisive, but it will certainly feel different.
So, if you’re up for something fresh but not entirely unfamiliar, Sólstafir has exactly what you’re looking for. But if you were hoping for another long, post-metal/Rock ‘n’ Roll epic, you might feel a bit let down. If you find yourself somewhere in the middle, you’ll likely be satisfied, too. With realistic expectations, Hin Helga Kvöl will deliver.
(3.5 / 5)
