Vreid : V
by Trevor Portz
Staff Writer
Formed after the untimely death of Windir frontman Valfar, Vreid have been chugging along and carrying on the Windir legacy–albeit in a slightly thrashier, less accordion-heavy way—for several years. 2011 sees them releasing their fifth opus, the appropriately titled V.
For those unfamiliar with either Windir or Vreid, the former played folk-influenced black metal with the strangely appropriate use of an accordion. The music was fast, epic, and melodic. Vreid certainly follow a similar trend, though they’ve incorporated a heavy ‘80s thrash feel and have more or less done away with the folk elements. The resulting noise is highly effective, delivering something both familiar and original.
Opener “Arche” perhaps best illustrates the Vreid sound, feeling very much like a hybrid of Megadeth and Immortal. The riffs chug along under high-pitched shrieks, and the solos soar in true Mustaine fashion.
“Blood Eagle” features a riff very reminiscent of Windir, and is a reminder of the highly respected, though oft overlooked band. It is this catchy, melodic riffing that keeps Vried’s songs memorable while still retaining plenty of heaviness.
“The Sound of the River” is an interesting tune, building from a slower, quiet piece into full-on metal, albeit over a very dance-influenced beat. Whether the intent or not, this song feels a bit like night club metal, whatever that may be.
“Slave” and the oddly titled “The Other and the Look” are the most progressive songs on V, featuring an almost Pink Floyd feel on the former, and clean vocals and an organ solo on the latter. The variety on “The Other…” keeps this rather lengthy song interesting and never boring, something many bands have a hard time achieving.
Perhaps the strongest song here is also the most traditionally black metal. “Welcome to the Asylum” is a high-speed, blast-heavy track that acts as a great balance with the more experimental tracks. It also features an excellent melodic solo that balances the harsh vocals.
The members of Vreid have found a nice, genre-straddling niche, and V exemplifies why they should be praised for it. While strong enough to stand on their own, Vreid also serves as a great crossover band for fans of thrash that are interested in black metal, but are intimidated by the brash intensity and orchestration of the bands that dominate the scene. A little time with Vreid will prep any listener for the black metal journey ahead. Come on, you know you want to…
Genre: Black Thrash
Band:
Sture (v,g)
Strom (g)
Hvàll (b)
Steingrim (d)
Track Listing:
1. Arche
2. The Blood Eagle
3. Wolverine Bastards
4. The Sound of the River
5. Fire on the Mountain
6. The Others & the Look
7. Slave
8. Welcome to the Asylum
9. Then We Die
Label: Indie Recordings
Website: www.myspace.com/thepitchblackbrigade
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.8/10