A band is an idea. It can exist as a vision in the architect’s mind, but is never complete. It is only when this vision reaches its audience, that it turns into something more and greater than the sum of its parts. An artist can reach his audience through images, stories and crafts. EINHERJER‘s derives comes from a spoken culture — a musical culture — and it is from the stage where it is most accurately conveyed.
Over the past two decades, the Norwegian Viking metallers have carried out their vision full-force. They were there when Norwegian extreme metal took shape and erupted into an enormous cultural export. They played far and wide. At home and abroad. They were part of something new. Something special and innovative. They swung the hammer when Viking metal was forged as a unique expression that later inspired countless bands, worldwide. Now the horns of war sound again. And EINHERJER is there with sixth full-length, Av Oss, For Oss. Written and produced by the band and mixed by Matt Hyde (Hatebreed, Slayer, Children Of Bodom, Monster Magnet et al), the record thrusts forth eight elaborately executed war hymns.
Elaborates the band: “Our Norse heritage is a phenomenon that reaches far beyond what one can hear alone. It is an amalgamation of the mystique and sagas of old, of songs and poems, of woodcutting and sword grinding and the Vikings merciless way of life. It’s a cultural patchwork that fills the consciousness with the brutal majesty of the Nordic nature, the elemental strain, of mighty longships plowing the black seas to reach unknown shores. The wisdom of the gods and their Valhalla. Of cultural encounters and trade. Of violence and brutality. Of tough men in a tough time. Our hometown Haugesund also rings with a historic sound, and from our own shores on the west coast of Norway the influence of the Vikings stretched towards the sea and the world beyond. The adventurers, pioneers, poets and craftsmen have inspired EINHERJER to go their own way. The Vikings courage and boldness have inspired us to never compromise our vision: A vision that is a unique, self-made, original and modern interpretation of our mighty Nordic heritage. EINHERJERhave never used their banner to spread cowardly and ignorant propaganda. We never seek entry in the un-culture extremists taint our ancestors with. We wish to give people in all countries knowledge to what we feel is a mysterious and fascinating culture that can be shared and enjoyed by many. Our history rings with the same sound and side by side with other cultures worldwide. From the age of the Egyptian pharaohs, the splendor of the Roman Empire, the genius of the Inka, the bastions of Constantinople, the wonders of the east, the honor of the Samurai and the Greek philosophers. Our heritage is a world heritage. And we strive to renew ourselves. We strive to retell our story in a new way. With a new sound. But with the same spirit that has followed EINHERJER since the beginning. In the wake of Norrøn, we once again tread a new path. Studio Borealis is still our chosen studio. Matt Hyde is still behind the mix. The new album Av Oss, For Oss will help us bring our vision and our heritage even further!”
Av Oss, For Oss Track Listing:
1. Fremad
2. Hammer I Kors
3. Nidstong
4. Hedensk Oppstandelse
5. Nord Og Ner
6. Nornene
7. Trelldom
8. Av Oss, For Oss
EINHERJER:
Frode Glesnes – guitar, bass effects, vocals
Aksel Herløe – lead guitar, bass effects, backing vocals
Gerhard Storesund – drums, samples
Av Oss, For Oss is currently available in North America digitally via Indie Recordings at Amazon, Google Play, EMusic, and iTunes and will be available on CD January 13th, 2015.
