There are similarities to Kvelertak beyond Erlend’s vocals and Tom G Warrior-style grunts – most notably the ability to blend extremity with rousing choruses like on the spirited stomp of Glory Of Hel. But Hjelvik is a heavier, darker and more chaotic beast than Erlend’s former band, and Welcome To Hel is a thundering, frostbitten adventure from start to finish. It also possesses a notable sense of theatricality, bursting with extravagant, spiralling guitar solos and fists-in-the-air chants, often presented with a cheeky sense of humour – creepy album closer Necromance is pure metal melodrama, while the delightfully-named The Power Ballad Of Freya is a boisterous, galloping romp. And who doesn’t love a Viking metal power ballad? Hel sounds like a pretty fun place to be.
Verdict: 3/5
For Fans Of: Kvelertak, Abbath, Dissection
Welcome To Hel is released on Nov 20 via Nuclear Blast
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