Helcaraxe: Children Of Ygg

This eleven track compilation, recently released by Promethean Burn, is a prime specimen of Heathen metal. Anti-Christian lyrics are delivered in a gutteral growl, breathing life into  ancient Pagan traditions and Viking mythology. There is also some clean singing, which at times seems out of place, but at other times enhances the emotive power of the music. The technical aspects of the musical arrangements are primarily death metal,  thus relying heavily on the virtuosity of the guitars. Many bands have their token shredder, but both the lead and rhythm sections of Helcaraxe have a trademark dissonant speed. The drumming and vocals often compete for the limelight, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, the clashing instruments often make the violent lyrical themes more three dimensional. The bass lines are the rhythmic backbone for certian songs, compensating for other tracks in which the bass gets lost in the auditory chaos.

Children Of Ygg features the  original Black Flames demo, as well as previously unreleased material. Tracks 1-7 are unreleased tracks from the Red Dragon sessions, recorded between 2011-2012. Tracks 7-9, recorded 6 years earlier in 2005 during the Triumph And Revenge sessions, have a much different feel. Hell, there’s even a cover of God Song by Bad Religion.  Although the fantasy art is laid a little thick, this is  mighty, epic viking metal. Unlike many bands who jumped on the Pagan metal bandwagon, Helcaraxe embody the Viking virtue of a warlike but compassionate honor that defines the true soldier. Children Of Ygg captures the genuine spirituality and somber mysticism of the  Asatru religion. Track five, Ragnarok, delves into the eponymous apocalyptic prophecy wherein even the gods and the afterlife will be invaded and defeated by evil. The ninth track, In The Midwinter, is the most impressive song, with a solid, catchy  guitar hook as it’s foundation, accompanied by lyrics describing the blood and glory of battle.

It’s an enjoyable CD, but my primary beef with an otherwise good compilation is that the songs are too short. Just when they hook you with a catchy rhythm or fancy guitar work, the song abruptly ends. The tracks segue into each other almost too smoothly, making it difficult to discern where one ends and the next begins. These shortcomings aside, it’s  a worthy addition into any metalhead’s collection. Children Of Ygg is available on Bandcamp, where you can listen online and order your own digital or physical copy. Each song is fantastic, but as a compilation, this lacks the cohesion and depth of a full length LP. Three stars out of five.