Helheim – Jormundgand

Helheim were a Norwegian (Bergen) trio consisted of; V’gandr (bass & vocals), H’grimnir (guitar & vocals) and Hrymr (drums), but they had a small supporting cast with them when recording Jormundgand, namely – Knut “Futhark” (Jew’s harp), Thomas (trumpets) and Mailin (female vocals).

Thus, back in 1995, only one year after their second demo, Helheim’s eponymous debut album Jormundgand made its appearance. This truly timeless opus has been reissued via Darkness Shall Rise Productions, marking its 30th anniversary.

The tracklist runs as follows:

1. Jormundgand

2. Vigrids vård

3. Nidr ok Nordr liggr Helvegr

4. Gravlagt i Eljudne

5. Svart visdom

6. Jotnevandring

7. Nattravnens tokt

8. Galder

Jormundgand opens with its nearly eight-minute title track, instantly establishing a powerful presence while featuring sharp drums, fierce guitars, a distinct vocal performance and overall intense musicianship. This track still stands as a defining moment in black metal, encapsulating the band’s epic style and Norwegian roots. Then follows one of the album’s key tracks, “Vigrids vård”, featuring a solid mix of harsh, high-pitched vocals, chaotic, fast black metal riffing and some slower and more atmospheric folk-influenced elements. One could almost replicate this description for the equally strong tracks like, “Svart Visdom”, “Nattravnens Tokt” or “Jotnevandring” – all blending a straightforward black metal with folk-like and almost a baroque-influenced keyboard passages.

In other words; the entire album is consistent, cohersive and a very good quality atmospheric black metal that is truly cementing Helheim’s legendary status. The compositions benefit from the dense arrangements underlined with trumpet and using two awesome vocalists. It’s safe to say that Jormundgand is less polished than their later work, but its raw nature is charming, atmospheric and addictive. Musically and thematically (themes about Viking- and Norse mythology), it is drawing inspiration from early Enslaved. Nonetheless, Jormundgand is far from being a carbon copy of the aforementioned band. On a contrary, recorded in the legendary ‘Grieghallen Studio’, this album is still a living witness of a time full of awakening, rebellion, creativity and nordic coldness.

Jormundgand is one of the greatest of the second wave of Norwegian black/viking metal acts. As a consequence of this, I consider Jormundgand as an essential record for fans of 90s Norwegian viking/black/norse metal.

Even thirty years after its initial release, Jormundgand retains its raw power and enduring energy, solidifying its place as a classic in the black metal genre. This definitive edition, released by Darkness Shall Rise Productions, includes a newly remastered version by Patrick W. Engel and features extensive bonus content, such as exclusive interviews (1992-1997) and archival photos. It’s now available as CD (with 28-page booklet), Vinyl LP (with 24-page booklet and A2 poster), and Digital. More details on Jormundgand to be found at label’s bandcamp here.