Review: “Destroyer” by Eld Varg

“It was written during a period of uncertainty. It delves into moving through hardship and moving forward with no clear route to follow. With layered meanings coated in Viking imagery, the album forges a stronger sound and path for the band.” ~ Ollie Noakes, vocals and guitars

Initially formed as a solo project by frontman Ollie Noakes, Eld Varg became a three piece with the addition of drummer Andy Hedges and bassist Micah Snow and after their well received debut album “One Man Army” saw the cold light of day in 2023, they have been riding the whitewater rapids ever since. That record took the Glaswegians trio to praised appearances at Wildfire, Call of the Wild and a headline set at Winter Warmer Festival, not to mention giving them the opportunity to share stages with Anvil, Florence Black and Tailgunner. Their next chapter “Destroyer” said to be another soaked in Norse mythology, tales of epic battles and triumphant victories, with the focus said to be on creating cuts that are both heavier and more anthemic this time around…

This new journey begins with “Achamán“, a track with all the hallmarks of Traditional Heavy Metal but with a little more groove in the riff department and a satisfyingly crunchy guitar tone. Straight out of the gate Noakes proves himself not only to be a fantastic storyteller but someone who can deliver a blistering solo as well, landing this one with the feel of a first time one take. While the track might not take the fire and brimstone route that others may choose for an opening cut, it is certainly potent enough of a cocktail to entice you to listen to the rest of the album and that is what counts. Both shorter and sharper title track “Destroyer” tells the tale of a prisoner freed only to feel a blood lust to burn those who held him captive. Anthemic grooves, pounding bass and driving percussion provide a solid backbone, while the clever use of vocal layering and staccato riff breaks ensure there is plenty of depth and texture. A bass solo from Snow breathes life into “The Hell Of Mirrors“, the instrument tastefully more prominent in the mix on this one so as to act as a second rhythm guitar. A Thrash riff leads into another scorching solo as the band continue to demonstrate immaculate musicianship, easily holding the attention over the longer duration of this near seven minute affair. You may even find yourself singing along with the chorus “I have been set free, In my paradise at last, trapped in my nightmare, what will you find in the hell of mirrors?” on the first spin.

A driving anthem with an earworm main riff and hummable melody “Black Starlight” feels like it should be on the sound track to the next incarnation of the classic video game Rock n’ Roll Racing and will definitely be one for the Jukebox at every biker bar across route 66. A powerful statement piece at the heavier end of Traditional Heavy Metal with rumbling bass and pounding drums it’s arguably the stand out cut. Group vocal passages bolster “VI Kings” which has some interesting almost tribal drum fills and a spellbinding solo, Noakes vocals not having a hint of accenting about them. Another with a fantastic flow to it that feels like the band have very much nailed their brief, it paves the way for “Darkest Waves” in style. If the title didn’t give it away, that one is about Viking raiders sailing through storms to conquer all the lands they set foot upon, battle scarred and yet ready for more. An acoustic introduction piece leads in grand finale “Crestfallen”, a near eight minute composition from which has clear influences from Iron Maiden. A tale of a warrior returning home beaten and broken, it crosses into Progressive Metal territory with extended intricate instrumental passages and a vibrant solo, the piece being one that feels uplifting despite some of the darker elements of the lyrical narrative. There is a sense that from here Eld Varg could build on these foundations to create even more epic compositions, you can picture them building in orchestrations as they progress but for now, this is a seriously good Traditional Heavy Metal record with plenty to offer in its own right [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Achamán
2. Destroyer
3. The Hell Of Mirrors
4. Black Starlight
5. VI Kings
6. Darkest Waves
7. Crestfallen

“Destroyer” by Eld Varg is out 14th November 2025