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It was only natural for France’s Himinbjorg to step up to the plate and take over the crown of Viking metal now that Enslaved have wondered down more psychedelic paths. Considering the band outdid Enslaved in 2003 with their Golden Age release, one had to think Himinbjorg would up the ante on their next output. Europa is solid companion to Golden Age, boasting some breathtaking epics and vivid tales of battle and lore, placing a stronghold in the dwindling field of Viking metal.
What Himinbjorg does best is combine the sideways chording of vintage black metal (old Darkthrone, Burzum, Emperor) and place it in a more modern context. While most would repeat these kind of riffs countless times (see old Darkthrone and Burzum again), Himinbjorg manages to throw in well-placed tempo changes and guitar solos. In keeping with the epic nature of Europa, three interludes are placed throughout the album to give the listener a bit of a breather, something of a lost art these days.
Bassist/vocalist Zahaah comes a little too close to sounding like current Mayhem vocalist Attila Cishar in ‘It Was In Europe,’ but redeems himself with some spirited chanting in album highlight ‘The Inner Mirror’ and ‘Like a Shadow.’ ‘Daily Disillusions’ punctuates things via minimalism, exotic acoustic guitars, and some daunting tradeoffs in the lead guitar department.
Its obvious Himinbjorg approaches their craft such passion and fervor, making it hard not to side with this French quartet. Himinbjorg has made Enslaved’s transition over to 70’s psychedelic metal that much easier to swallow knowing that the scene will have at least 1 quality Viking metal act. The perfect cross between Eld-era Enslaved and the mighty Borknagar, Himinbjorg is epic Viking metal of the highest order. » adipocere.fr
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