Review: “Svarið” by Eldrún

Hailing from Reykjavík Iceland, Progressive Metal collective Eldrún have long been inspired by a homeland known for its dramatic landscapes and unique natural beauty. Since 2016 they have crafted music which carries haunting and melancholic qualities, seeking to captivate listeners and draw them into a deeply emotional and atmospheric experience. Their initial work culminated in 2018’s self titled debut album, showcasing a signature mix of heavy riffs, melodic exploration, and emotional intensity. Seeking to refine their sound, the band recorded seven fresh cuts between 2023 and 2024 with new drummer Sindri Thorlacius (Vögel, Wistaria) and guitarist Einar Jónsson freshening things up. Former guitarist Jón Dal produced and mixed those sonic creations with lyrics written in the bands native tongue said to be deliberately abstract and metaphorical, inviting listeners to interpret them in their own way. Themes of introspection, identity, and the battle between light and darkness permeate “Svarið“, reflecting both personal and universal struggles…

Slow burning introduction “Svartir söngvar (intro)” (or “Black Songs“) borders on Post-Metal with its bleak and cold instrumental soundscape flirting with the cinematic. Perhaps inspired by bands like Hundred Year Old Man, it heightens the senses putting everything on edge before the abrasive main riff of “Engin leið heim” (or “No Way Home“) injects a new energy. That one has distinctive Fear Factory to it for the most part before soaring into more progressive territories later on, a spellbinding solo utterly captivating. Diddi Eðvarðs vocals are equally majestic, the gravelly nature of his performance hinting at a life lived in all weathers. After the heavier tune “Dýrðin” (or “The Glory“) is more of a journey through distant lands as it contrasts darkness and light, painting in a different palette. The vocals have a sing-a-long quality even if they aren’t in English, the richness of their patterns dangerously addictive and while the guitar work isn’t as heavy as it could be, its got more than enough about it to make this a very listenable tune. Stylistically “Lifi nóttin” (or “Long Live The Night“) then falls between the sounds of both preceding cuts, some moments of Alice In Chains inspired melodies adding lush textures before a bloodcurdling scream from Eðvarðs amid some technical riffage. That’s something of a surprise moment that may catch you off guard but the band aren’t afraid to change direction to suit their vision and that is something to be cherished.

The album title track “Svarið” (or “The Answer“) is a similar blend, the more involved drumming from Sindri Thorlacius an absolute pleasure as the band float between rich melancholic melodies in Fallujah inspired stylings before moving into more technical territories. Its once again a curiosity that such things can live in harmony together but the transitions are so slick between the passages that the song is able to carry the style shifts comfortably and you just can’t help but fall in love with the outcome. Polyrhythmic guitars with Math Rock sensibilities make for a solid backbone to “Eymd þín venst” (or “Your Misery Is Getting Used To“), the sonic landscape building to a majestic solo in the final third. As the group push their boundaries in captivating fashion it’s hard not to get carried along in the tidal wave of emotion that they create, each euphoric moment cleverly thought out and polished until it shines. An orchestrated introduction gives “Silfur” (or “Silver“) another dimension before the guitars and come into play, some blast beats a welcome surprise in the enduring warmth. The melody snaps in the mid section as the Metal riffs tear through with sharp teeth, a snarling unclean vocal passage adding a real venom as the band embrace the darkness before it fades into melody only to rear its ugly head once more. A musical journey in every sense of those words, as an album “Svarið” may been some two years in the making but it has been worth every second because its stunning [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Svartir söngvar (intro)
2. Engin leið heim
3. Dýrðin
4. Lifi nóttin
5. Svarið
6. Eymd þín venst
7. Silfur

“Svarið” by Eldrún is out 27th December 2024 and is available over at bandcamp