Árstíðir lífsins - Saga á tveim tungum II: Eigi fjǫll né firðir (2020)

As one of the most expect releases of 2020, today we have Iceland/Germany’s Árstíðir lífsins and their “Saga á tveim tungum II: Eigi fjǫll né firðir” release. With a very enigmatic and ritualistic approach, this band’s Black Metal onslaughts are perfectly flanked by rich lyrics and lush mood setting atmospheric passages. If you are looking for an intense release that sets a very dark tone by mixing plenty of different elements with crushing Black Metal, you do not want to miss out on this one.

Building an eerie atmosphere in its two first tracks, the band creates a killer anticipation for the ‘heavier’ stuff, as “Sem járnklær nætr dragask nærri” rolls. With a relentless drumming backdrop and pummeling riffs, this track sets a very punishing mood that is perfectly complemented by creepy choir arrangements and a sinister pace. With “Gamalt ríki faðmar þá grænu ok svǫrtu hringi lífs ok aldrslita” the band keeps their destructive momentum going with waves of energetic guitar riffs and crafty tempo changes. As the song progresses, you get a very epic vibe that usually Pagan BM bands manage to craft.

After changing the mood with the chilling spoken sections of “Um nætr reika skepnr” paired with subtle instrumentation, the aural onslaughts continue with “Heiftum skal mána kveðja”. This track perfectly blends the ravaging nature of the band’s sound with the crafty folky/pagan ritualistic side of their sound. Telling their story in a uncompromising way, tracks like “Um nóttu, mér dreymir þursa þjóðar sjǫt brennandi” allow the listener to transport into the band’s

Closing with the thunderous “Ek sá halr at Hóars veðri hǫsvan serk Hrísgrísnis bar”, we are left quite impressed by the quality and expert craftsmanship from the band. Mixed and mastered by Schwadorf (Empyrium), this release has a very organic vibe that allows all the instruments to perfectly blend together and nicely contrast with the dynamic vocal arrangements. Árstíðir lífsins is one hell of a band that has created something unique and very powerful with this release. If you like thought provoking releases with a hefty balance of mystery, atmosphere, and ravaging brutality, look no further and get a copy of this release.

Label: Ván Records

Release: May 22nd, 2020

Genre: Pagan Black Metal

Country: International