Viking Metal--Falkenbach--Heralding: The Fireblade

“The night the long swords where grinded

And the shields were forged in blood,

By the hands of most dexterous blacksmiths,

And sacrifices were given to the Goddesses and the Gods,

In the woods by the mighty tree,

Known in heathen kingdoms as the mighty Irminsul,

That was built as an immense landmark

Of heathen pride and honor

And a symbol of what shall be....”
-- Falkenbach “Heralder” from Heralding: The Fireblade

Lately I have been playing some Viking/Pagan metal.

No, really.

Some great moments exist on these albums, my current favorite is Falkenbach—Heralding: The Fireblade.

There is a beer hall chorus at least one of these songs on all albums. Usually there is some type of flute or winded instrument that rises to the forefront over the heavy bass and drum.

The guitars are more rhythm-ish in this style of music, often giving way to the background while a Mandolin or glockenspiel takes the center stage.

The bands also have an old age “pagan” sounding chorus at some point. Often the bands will sing in their native Nordic tongue. Falkenbach is considered among the most influential.

The keyboards act as symphony of sorts.

On Heralding the Fireblade, the opening track is very typical of Viking Metal. Heathen Foray has every above element and manages to sound very fresh and innovative.

On the second track, the guttural, screeching vocals of a crazed Norseman is heard as the guitars have a distinctive “POWER METAL” sound. Still, enough background sounds remind the listener of the past Norse conquests. Heralder is among my favorites on this one.

The rest follow the pattern of softer/melodic songs followed by the bellow and strength of thudding and thundering metal sounds.

Refined in such countries as Germany, Finland, Iceland, Denmark, and the like; this is a relatively untapped sound in the US.

And no, I do not consider HammerFall as Viking or Pagan metal.

Falkenbach-- Heralding: The Fireblade
Heathen Foray
Of Forests Unknown
Havamal
Roman Land
Heralder >mp3
Laeknishendr
Walkiesjar
Skirnir