Blodhemn [IMPORT]

Enslaved

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 16, 1998)
• Original Release Date: March 23, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Season of Mist
• ASIN: B00000GBMG
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #182,024 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars New sound for Viking warriors works well., March 23, 1999

By A Customer

Well, this is quite a departure from the band's previous full-length album "Eld". The production on this new album was handled by extreme metal god and studio-genius Peter Tagtren from Hypocrisy, and overall, it pays large dividends. At first I was a little disappointed by the sound on "Blodhemn" because it sounded rather weak and tinny compared to Peter's usual beefy and crushing sound; however everything eventually clicks into place after a few listens, and I must say, the sound actually suits Enslaved's music. The songs on "Blodhemn" are mostly very fast (especially the drums) and brutal. Also, there aren't as many folk inspired and epic meanderings on this album, unlike Enslaved's previous material. No, this is just straight-up in your face metal. It's not entirely black metal either: some of the riffs are rather thrashy, and I swear I could hear some Hypocrisy-like riffs/passages in there (must have rubbed off from Peter's presence). The intro ("Audhumla: Birth of the Worlds") is unbelievable! Although short, it's impact and 'soul-stirringness' is simply amazing - this synth and fx track is drenched in surreal, spaced out melodies, and honestly makes you feel as if you were watching the creation of the universe take place!!! Simply sublime and ecstatic. In my opinion, there's not too much variation between the rest of the songs (barring the last), but nevertheless they are mostly executed very well. However the last track and outro ("Suttung's mead) is supposedly a folk track which to me is just a waste of space. It plods on ever so slowly and has an awkward combination of vocals over a simple melody, which to me really sounds middle eastern rather than viking!?! Disappointing, when you consider that this is the same band that spawned the Viking anthem "793: Battle of Lindisfarne" where the same thing was done oh so much better... ah well.

This album isn't perfect, and there are better 'black metal' new releases out there (namely Emperor's "IX Equilibrium") and huge ones still to come (Immortal's "At the Heart of Winter" and Satyricon's new material) which also will probably surpass Enslaved's latest offering. But, give credit to these veterans, and there are definitely some shining moments here to explore! Not a bad addition really to your collection.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bloody Conquest, October 8, 2005

By	J. Holmes "blood+whiskey" (yokohama, japan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

another outstanding album from these viking kings of Nordic metal. Enslaved is one of the rare bands that have managed to stay solid in their approach to bombastic, brutal, and brillaintly blackened music.

the cosmic strains of "Audhumla. Birth of the Worlds" serves as the intro and it's just a matter of moments until the fury of the second song "I Lenker Til Ragnarok" is unleashed. the first thing i noticed is how the production seems to be a bit cleaned up compared to the Eld album. i like the somewhat misty, murky feel of that record, but Blodhemn's more trebly approach fits the faster tempo and violent nature of these songs. the guitars especially sound meaner and the drumming is more upfront in the mix, giving it all a good "in the midst of bloody battle" feeling. the vocals have always been great with Enslaved, but here they have grown even better. everything from hauntingly clean sung passages, to deathly raspy growls and even a few Slayer-inspired high pitched screams.

Blodhemn seems to be a far more violent ordeal than Enslaved's last 2 proper albums. but their fury is never outblown to the point where it loses impact or runs out of steam. each song stands on it own with a brutal confidence and is overflowing with great songwriting and a creative approach; which makes this album more and more fascinating with each listen. Blodhemn, along with Eld and Mardraum -Beyond The Within- are essential purchases for any Enslaved fan.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A legend, within the ranks of Emperor and Darkthrone..., October 28, 2004

By	black/prog aficionado "Joshua M. Brenton" (Indiana) - See all my reviews

Don't listen to Andras N0 BRAINS of Denmark, whom has no ear for brilliance. Word to the wise, Andras, do your review in Danish cos' apparently English is not your bag.

Blodhemn is an intensely diverse work of genius. Any musicologist can tell this piece was naturally formulated (not contrived) as documentation of a Neurological breakdown. It casts aside religious malcontent and focuses on logical and historical specifications.

The fierce overtones create a path of enlightenment for myself and others, while quite a vast populous cannot fathom how exhilirating it truly is. The Gregorian-esque chants provide a surrealistic approach to the thematic Mythological aspects. The fact that they still remain true to their native language, mostly, sets them aside from certain outfits that evolved into an English usage such as Dimmu Borgir...

Which is nice for those not fluent in Norwegian and whom are too lazy to translate it, yet it takes away from the nostalgia factor. Dimmu's post-Stormblast efforts are great, but in a less monumental field of vision, respectively. The first 2 hold such great effortless merit on the listeners behalf. All of which must be delightfully in harmony with Satan, otherwise they should go "worship" "Him" and leave musicianship up to the EXPANDING METAL MASSES! (Oh, sweet Glory!)

Anyway, this is pure Blackened Norse Metal at it's most refined, BUY THIS RECORD, and for those that are not fluent in Norwegian, piss off! Or, just go to darklyrics.com and get translations printed out. Up The Irons!