It's bitterly cold, a lonely track in the snow loses itself in the dark - the day gives way to twilight, followed by a moonlit night...HEIDNIR's debut album Von Nächtlichen Erinnerungen conveys this desolate yet highly emotional feeling.
Due to the look I suspect ice cold racing Black Metal with infernal screeching voice, but I am pleasantly surprised, because the sounds often move in the medium-fast range and the vocalization reminds rather of a (Doom)Death-Metal-Band. Of course the speed doesn't come too short, but chaotic frenzy doesn't happen.
Instead, solo entertainer HEIDNIR grabs the listener during the epic pieces with pitch-black stomping nihilism and monotonous equanimity; in the case of Nachtvisionen, the band adds a swinging Black’n‘Roll note to the astonishingly well-produced work and surprises the auditorium with jagged tempo aggravation and enigmatic melody that bitter sweetly plays out its unobtrusive effectiveness. Dragging parts let the rumbling organ shine through in combination with catchy melodies, before a headbanger rhythm takes over the nape of the neck. A great composition that lives on atmospheric density and doesn't need any technical gimmicks or experiments to convince completely.
The initially doomy vibes as well as the growling narrator at the end form a varied framework for the composition Auferstehung. Then HEIDNIR manages to implement the title Wanderung Einer Geistgestalt adequately with simple musical means to create images in the head - here the musician anew varies tempo and voice pleasantly, whereby the Immortal-like leads and a harsh break are positively perceived as sparkling dynamic or harmonic boosters.
HEIDNIR proves a good hand for the right dose of sublime melodies in the course of So Erstrahle Das Licht, in which both sluggish rhythms and short tempo peaks blend harmoniously. In the case of Teufel Erwache, slightly dissonant tones create an oppressive feeling, with a melodic lead providing a conciliatory finale towards the end.
In the title track Von Nächtlichen Erinnerungen, HEIDNIR once again throws everything from the repertoire into battle: clear guitars as introduction, growling vocals, mighty stomping parts with deep black aura, lonely guitar riffs and solid attacks form a strong unity.
The more directly chosen structure of the final song Und Die Sonn’ Ward Kalt Und Schwarz ends a pitch-black, negative, threatening and oppressive work with an impressive recitative, which can collect additional plus points through wonderful leads as well as reserved moments of variance and urgency. Despite its opulent playing time, this epic album develops into an entertaining pleasure with emotional depth!