Coming to us from the land of ice and fire is Auðn. They hail from a little place in the south of Iceland, which I happen to have visited on my travels, called Hveragerði. The village is surrounded by wild untamed beauty and the huldufólk (or elves) that are said to live in the rocks. Hot springs bubble up all around and the scent of sulphur hangs heavy in the air.
Their new release ‘Farvegir Fyrndar’, out 10th November, is the black metal band’s second full length release and means ‘Ancient Riverbeds’. Apparently the phrase comes with many deep associations in Icelandic, which I find intriguing (if anyone can explain, please do get in touch!).
I knew pretty much as soon as the first track, ‘Verold Hulin’, started that I was going to enjoy the album. Auðn bring us lovely melodic black metal which creates a feeling of awe–inspiring vastness with the rasping vocals adding an element of raw desperation to the music.
The entire album is an exercise in escapism. It’s tricky to pick out highlights from an album that takes you on such a voyage as this one; it all melds together so nicely, but I shall try! ‘Haldreipi Hugans’ is a great atmospheric eight minute track; definitely one to lose yourself in. ‘Skuggar’ is a delightfully slow sorrowful track. I read that the Icelandic lyrics revolve around a journey into the afterlife, and the disappointment on reaching that destination. The ninth and final track of the album, ‘Í Hálmstráið Held, is probably my favourite one. It is a stunningly good rousing number; the beautiful mix of electric and acoustic guitar conveying a sense of urgency but also sadness.
‘Farvegir Fyrndar’ is a stunning piece of atmospheric black metal. It manages to be aggressive, stirring and beautiful all at the same time. For me, their conjuring of epic soundscapes was reminiscent of the UK’s own Winterfylleth. The album has successfully established Auðn as a new favourite for me – I’ll be checking out their 2014 self-titled release immediately.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Highlights: ‘Í Hálmstráið Held’
‘Farvegir Fyrndar’ will be released through Seasons of Mist on 10 November.
Pre-sales: https://smarturl.it/AudnFarvegir
