Viking Metal for Adults
F. C. Okey | Rochester, NY | 09/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Windir's "Likferd" is viking/folk metal with both "black" and clean vocals, heavy riffing, relentless kick-drumming, clever production, and some discreet Classical influences. Simply put, it is a masterpiece from beginning to end. The musicianship is both tasteful and ferocious but never overshadows the overall concept, which deals with the heroic (and the not so heroic) in Norwegian history. This is the kind of music that demands -- and recieves -- full attention from the listener. The first time I ever heard this CD I was drenched in sweat by the time it finished...and it was the middle of Winter! And speaking of Winter, Windir's founder and mastermind Valfar recently froze to death in the mountains of his beloved Norway. He now sits at the Oaken Table slinging mead while the rest of us contemplate the future of viking metal without him. The Old Gods are selfish, as they say..."
Windir's best effort
NocturnalFrost | Blashyrkh | 07/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album really is a standout in vast field of norse black metal.In many ways Likferd can be seen as an updated version of the legendary album,Ulver-Bergtatt,albeit with more of an orchestral sound than folk.There is a little bit of everything on here,as through the duration of the CD you will run into several elements not common in black metal,such as choir like vocals(hugely influenced by Ulver),some death metal guitars here and there,subtle electronic enhancments,and other elements that set Windir in another class from most "kvlt" black metal bands.There is also a strong classical music vibe on here for variety.If I am making this album sound weak,fear not because for the most part it is harsh black metal with screeching vocals and exceptional guitar work.The somewhat "avant garde" elements that define Windir just enhance the overall feel of their music,and gives them their own identity.The image/lyrics of Windir are also very unique,forsaking the retarded,foolish satanism that is prevalent in the genre and building upon the viking foundation that Bathory and Enslaved created.To sum it all up,this is an excellent purchase for those who are looking for something new in the extreme metal genre,as well as any black metal fan that is tired of the overly symphonic style common nowadays or the Darkthrone imitators.Highly recommended."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1