Over four years have passed since Helheim released their last album, and now the veteran Norwegian Viking metallers are set to release their eighth full-length album on December 4th via Dark Essence Records. Titled raunijaR, the album was recorded at Conclave & Earshot Studio by Vulture Industries’ Bjørnar Nilsen and was mastered by Enslaved’s Herbrand Larsen. The album is streaming in full below.
 
In the intervening years between 2011's Heiðindómr ok Mótgangr and the upcoming release of raunijaR, Helheim have been both experimenting with, and building on, their unique take on the Viking metal genre. As well as completing the themes that have woven their way through Helheim's music since the very beginning, it is with raunijaR that the band completes the Åsgards Fall storyline that began with the EP of that name in 2010.
 
Helheim's lineup comprises V'gandr on bass and vocals, H’grimnir on guitar and vocals, Hrymr on drums and Noralf on guitars. V'gandr himself has been expanding and perfecting his clean vocals, and now, when the two vocalists combine to sing clean vocals, new elements are added to the band's sound. Guest vocals on raunijaR come from Alfahanne’s Pehr Skjoldhammer and Norwegian musician William Hut, with additional guests performing on violin, piano and horns to further enhance Helheim's dark and heavy atmospheres and create a truly epic masterpiece.

Artwork is by H'grimnir from coverart.no.

Tracklisting:

“Helheim 9”
“raunijar”
“Åsgards Fall III”
“Åsgards Fall IV”
“Odr”

Album stream:

Commenting on raunijaR V'gandr had this to say: "The opening track "Helheim 9" is actually the last in the line of the Helheim tracks where Hrymr in particular has been the creative force. He has combined his unique creativity and symbolism in a way that overwhelms everything that came before, and the result is a truly fitting closure.

"The title track "raunijaR" continues on from Helheim's "Heiðindómr ok Mótgangr", and has a relentlessly driving sound that showcases the confrontational, yet familiar, black metal sound in the vein of "Dualitet og Ulver". "Åsgards Fall" Parts 3 and 4 will be the final and vital link in the completion of the theme that was begun in both lyrical and musical terms with the "Åsgards Fall" MCD. Closing the album is "Odr", a solemn track that gives the album an ending full of the grandeur and respect that it deserves."

In November Helheim will make a special appearance at BlekkMetal Festival which runs from the 13th to the 15th November at USF Verftet in Bergen. The one-off event is billed as a tribute to the birth of the Norwegian black metal scene, and will hark back to the atmosphere, bands, art and individuals from the scene pre 1994. Helheim will perform their debut album Jormundgand on Saturday, November 14th to mark the 20th Anniversary of its release. They will also be interviewed live on stage along with Enslaved, and will be discussing how their lyrical narratives and their musical craft have been influenced by their Viking roots and traditions.

Included on the BlekkMetal bill are veteran bands such as Taake, Kampfar, Aeternus, Hades Almighty, Gehenna, Enslaved, and brand new bands such Gaahls Wyrd, and a special onetime only reunion of the legendary Old Funeral. Also appearing will be The C.L.A.S.P. Ritual /Dirge Rep - a tribute band consisting of legendary musicians such as Dirge Rep himself, Skagg, Gaahl, Garm and many more.

Some of the top Norwegian tattoo artists will be present at the event, and will be available for appointments, including, Colin Dale, Kai Uwe Faust and Tor Ola Svennevig, three Viking tattooists who work entirely by hand, without the use of machines. Art exhibitions, movies and guest speakers will also be featured at the event. More information about the BlekkMetal Festival, as well as ticket details can be found at www.blekkmetal.com.