With Zwischen Asgard & Midgard Germany’s finest Pagan/Viking metallers THRUDVANGAR seamlessly follow up on their last record Walhall. Still in an epic width and with fists outstretched the Viking hymns thunder over the listener, spreading a fascinating darkness and atmosphere, perfectly made to walk Bifröst.
Every single song is much varied, dense and enthralling; from frantic black metal attacks via acoustic parts up to very slow, driving and dark passages, everything can be found in these eight tracks. Though, Zwischen Asgard & Midgard isn’t any bit overloaded. This record is homogenous, floating, and one will always find the red thread again through these songs.
Fortunately guitars are pushed more in the front, while the keys got pushed back at the same time, weaving these dense and unobtrusive soundscapes in the background. Medieval instruments (a jew’s harp for example) still gets used accentuated. This all makes Zwischen Asgard & Midgard heavier, darker than Walhall. The smoky and deep/dark voice of singer Matze perfectly suits the music, adding a harsher note to the German sung lyrics. No clean vocals anymore.
It’s much difficult to point out a single song, since all eight compositions convince on a constant high level. Maybe Heimwärts? Or the unbelievably driving and neck-breaking Runenstein? The epic Zwei Raben? Or better the 8 minutes running final track Frostland? Listen to the ENTIRE record! It is just outstanding!
Once again THRUDVANGAR deliver a gem of Pagan/Metal music art. With Zwischen Asgard & Midgard they deservedly can settle in on the ancestor’s throne ;)