Review: “Eldhav” by Hämnd

Depicting the flow of a river of molten lava as it escapes from a magma chamber below the Earth’s surface before it hardens to become obsidian, the cover art of “Eldhav” is a classic piece of imagery. Rising from those smouldering embers that flow down the mountain that is the Swedish underground Metal scene having played their parts in bands like Siberian, Kollapsed and Vargålder, a collection of seasoned musicians now form Hämnd. Their purpose to create a nail bomb of Stoner, Doom, Black Metal and Hardcore Sludge, wrapping monolithic riffs fit for worship around stone age primal screams in their native tongue. Recorded and Mixed at Lowland Music Studios (Kollapsed, DSM-5, Varoitus) in Sweden before being mastered by Magnus Lindberg VRTKL, influences in ISIS, Neurosis and Breach have been cited…

While there are four tracks in this collection, that equates to almost half an hour of music with two of the compositions surpassing the eleven minute mark, Hämnd taking their time to create absorbing sounds with depth, texture and soul. Opening cut “Bakom Murar” (or “Behind Walls“) brings to mind hands like Helve and Hundred Year Old Man with its monolithic riff based framework bordering on hypnotic trance inducing with its repetitions and yet being gloriously nuanced with dark grace and layering to really make it stand out. Extended instrumentals swirl like the winds of plague over a post apocalyptic wasteland, permeated by fleeting caustic vocals with the bite of the rabid dog, combining beauty in dark and twisted melodies with crushingly heavy Post-Sludge in full flight. There are also flavours of Noise Metal bands like Will Haven as this one gathers pace at slow and steady, spine juddering speed, the final breakdown section a real coup de grace. Toying with the forgotten corners of the mind the palate cleansing forty seven second instrumental “Malström” (or “Maelstrom“) is a menacing and sinister moment that leaves you questioning what you just heard but works as it provides a breathing space before “En Öde Värld” (or “A Waste World“) consumes your thoughts in captivating fashion.

Another piece of stunning beauty that paints pictures in the minds eye, this one is the sonic equivalent of a cup of the finest black coffee on a bright winders morning. Rich, dark and inviting despite its bitter black depths, it warms the soul with its bleak and melancholic embrace. As crushing as the waves crashing upon a sheer cliff face during a storm, it reflect the harshness of nature before thick gauged string driven riffs and thunderous percussion in the final moments provide a soundscape to the slow march to self immolation. There are the vaguest of hints and ethnic sounds in the grand finale that is “Eldhav“, another burnt offering to a wrathful overseer of gargantuan proportions, this time with more vocals seemingly providing a cathartic release without undoing any of the powerful instrumental work. A couple of odd time signatured drum patterns rise from the black depths over repeated listens but it’s the glory of the richness and warmth of this offering that restores faith in humanity as it plays out. Overall, a mesmerising piece of work and a thoroughly rewarding listen, Hämnd provide sustenance when the World is collapsing around you… [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Bakom Murar
2. Malström
3. En Öde Värld
4. Eldhav

“Eldhav” by Hämnd is out 26th March 2024 and is available for pre-order over at bandcamp.