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Iceland hasn´t been cradle of many metal bands, something quite normal taking into account the size and population of that country, but the few ones which get into the scene have somehow a certain personality and exotic appeal. Iceland is the homeland of the Sólstafir guys, and they play a very entertaining black metal. “Til Valhallar” is the first release of the band, being recorded in 1996. This time we are fortunate to see a re-issue from the Russian label Oskorei Music where a couple of bonus tracks (“Huldulandið” and “Í Helli Pólýfemosar”) come in addition. Some liner notes have been included, so curiosities and details of each song can be read. Lyrics are in Icelandic and the degree of coldness shown in the notes fits quite well with that country´s barren lands: icy, desolate and magnificent in their bleakness. Burzum is a clear reference of Sólstafir, among other Scandinavian black acts –the fast parts and in the “hysterical” screams are slightly reminiscent of Arckanum, for example-. However, the melodic focus of these guys is wider and less monotonous. Yes, if you carve further there are some lacks and mistakes in the music –don´t forget this was their first serious release-, but songs are well structured and are built with enough taste to become not boring. The drums are outstanding and some beats here and there are tremendously effective and groovy. Accoustic guitars and clean voices give variety to the whole. The booklet doesn´t feature any pics of the band, except for the back where we can see a bandmember holding a torch; there´s no room for viking nor corpsepaint poses here. Despite belonging to the black metal posse, Sólstafir is besides the cliches of the genre in their image and their music, something they completely demonstrated in their subsequent full-length album “Í Blóði Og Anda”. In fact, “Til Valhallar” is short, too short, and that thing alone stands for entertaining and interesting music.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Ásareiðin |
| 2. Til Valhallar |
| 3. Dauðraríkið |
| 4. Huldulandið |
| 5. Í Helli Pólýfemosar |
| 6. Hovudlausn |
: 29.14
| Buy other Sólstafir albums |
