Shield Brothers of Valhalla

This is the debut album by Hildr Valkyrie, also involved in the two international folk/viking metal acts Folkearth and Folkodia, and it’s pretty much the same thing here (besides the fact that she runs her own show here). Although, calling this metal might be stretching it a bit too far. The album ends with Falkenbach and Bathory covers, but for her original music there’s not a whole lot of metal to be found.

In fact, I’m not sure there’s even any riffage or guitars near some of the tracks. It’s symphonic keyboard based, accompanied by simplistic (albeit very fitting at times) drum patterns. What winds up as the centre of attention, besides the overbearingly symphonic keyboard, is the gal’s voice, as her vocal patterns and melodies are really what’s interesting. She can definitely whip up some cool moments of melodic vocals, but it too shall falter. I mean, half the tracks have the same annoying “eeeheeheeey, eeeeeey, eeeey” harmony over and over again. It would’ve been ok for one song, but instead it ends up as a nuisance. And I feel an urge to mention the keyboard once again, as it’s just too in your face at times, and takes up way too much space during some sections.

It might come off as a complete brush-off, but the fact remains that at times 'Shield brothers of Valhalla' is highly enjoyable. Hildr Valkyrie is certainly a talented woman with an interesting voice, which fits perfectly into the recipe of folk-lore loving music. The subtle background hymns during 'All mighty gods' is beautiful and mesmerizing. It’s just too damn bad the atmosphere is shattered by the keyboard and “eeeheeheeeey”. But a track like 'Thor the thunder god' certainly makes up for it, with a very heathen aura, reminiscent of the more melodic parts of Bathory or Cruachan. And her incredible vocals suits it remarkably well.

The final judgment is that I really don’t know what to think… It’s certainly too melodic in my book, and it lacks power due to the weak production. A lot of the songs are impossible to distinguish from one another. But then we have the interesting tracks to differentiate the album. Nothing I’ll give many more listens, but I suppose that if you’re a fan of Folkearth, Cruachan, Borknagar and the likes, and want something softer, more melodic and oh-so-symphonic, then this is for you.

Originally written for http://www.mylastchapter.net