Tusenårseken “Omhuldra”
Within the southern portion of Sweden resides the quiet town of Höör, located within Skåne county. Steeped in cultural history, this coastal region offers so much history. But nestled away amongst the peaceful rural life, a force was beginning to take root. With a sound enriched with paganistic folk that's coated with raw melodic black metal, comes the band Tusenårseken, which translates to “The Thousand-Year Oak”. Tusenårseken having taken root as a solo act in 2020, the band truly began to spread their branches and flourish. Having fully planted in Swedish heritage, especially within their latest album Omhuldra set to be released September 6th on Grind To Death Records. An album where they really dive into the concepts of ancient Swedish life, and even bring in classical folklore. With ten raw melodic black metal tracks tinged in atmospheric folk that lasts 54:07 minutes, it is sure to leave a lasting impression. Let's dive in and find out.
At first glance, you can see the pagan traditions depicted within the album artwork. Elements of a midsummer Swedish celebration can be seen lying within a pond amongst water lilies as she reaches up for something. Very bright in color, with nature being a strong focal point. I'm intrigued by these forms of black metal influences. They always add layers and based on the concepts touched on by Tusenårseken, I am looking forward to hearing what they have in store for us. A relentless pounding of traditional drum sounding rhythms can be heard echoing out, before Andreas Karlsson’s bard-like ode really brings “Ode till alla fattiga kräk” together. The opening track to the album, it sets the tone as a hymn to all the struggling poor. Having focused on 1700’s Sweden struggles of the lower class; the song quickly picks up into the raw elements of black metal as Karlsson's low growls are carried over a raw melodic folk chord progression. “Riket bortom livet” is counted into a solid melodic riff that picks up as the visceral vocals carry the overall tone of the track. Some very well-timed breakdowns are timed in, before breaking way into some clean vocals sung in Swedish. I believe the song, lyrically, takes a stab at religion if I am correct. About the craving we have for death to join a paradise promised. Some of the more aggressive guitar riffs just help build this track up. As clean vocals resonate overtop, before leading back into the growling, raw, visceral vocals.
The blending of clean bard-like vocals, that meld into the low retched visceral vocals and screams are well timed and add a dynamic element. The drumming is rather simplistic, yet does the trick for each track, as the guitar chord progressions and melodic techniques really drive it home. Melodic folk riffs are often coated with bard singing, before then picking up and lead into a more aggressive tone. Tinged with elements of atmosphere that often sneak in slightly at times, this album has such a great sound with each track having something to offer and keeping to the overall album theme and tonality. “Grönskan vi minns” begins with haunting bard vocals, over a gentle acoustic guitar that bring in the raw catchy riff with a chant-like element resonating behind it. There are just so many elements within this. Very well written with time signatures executed beautifully. A fitting track to close the album off. For a song about glorifying Vikings and the lifestyle within the 1700’s and the false images portrayed, this can still be much the case today.
I'm impressed by what Tusenårseken has done with their latest album Omhuldra. As one ingrained within black metal, you can hear the influences echo within the well-crafted tracks. Karlsson does a great job at keeping in his lane as he puts his fingerprint on the genre. Some production levels were slightly off, but nothing too concerning for me. I'd say it was decently mixed and mastered, with a solid production value. Heavily influenced in blackened folk or melodic pagan black metal, that has tinges of atmospheric elements. This album is worth getting for your collection. For me, I am glad I got the chance to review this album. So, on September 6th, make sure to go out and get yourself a copy.
Rating: 8/10
