Review by Jeger on October 20, 2024.

Light the pyres! Set adrift the mighty fallen upon the blood of Ymir and revel in the mystifying song of Bragi. The Norse gods! Subjects of black metal conception since the days of Bathory. The music that has been dedicated to these mythical figures has been legendary and timeless; echoing through the ages and into the hearts of the hordes. Now, in this cursed time of myth and legend, forlorn, Sweden’s Seid have emerged from the halls of Valhalla into our realm - bearing fruits of eternity - a feast for the spirit taking form as their fifth LP, Hymns To The Norse, released on October 18, 2024 via De Tenebrarum Principio / ATMF. 

Seid was formed in 2009 and currently has five LP’s and one EP to boast, all well-reviewed and all accomplished in honor of the Norse way: the history, the gods, and the lore all captured to the sound of true Swedish black metal. With their latest offering, Seid have unveiled more of a concept album when compared to their previous record. Hymns To The Norse - a low-fi-engineered specimen of the way true BM should sound. This modest way of recording suits the music beautifully from the surface-level tones to its chaotic distortion and its textured percussive underlays. These types of records are usually overly produced and sanitized in my opinion, but this one sounds as if it was engineered by Quorthon (Bathory) himself. Something in the vein of “Blood Fire Death” and just as epic, but a bit more rough around the edges. As you take in the intro, 'Hymn To Ivar', you’ll understand the comparison. A deeply cinematic opener that evokes images of pre-battle ceremonies performed in honor of Thor under sun-bursted skies of amber and gold. The following epic, 'The End Of Days', serves as the precursor to a grande story, and at just over nine minutes in duration, it also stands as the longest-running track on the record: mesmerizing, melodic, and stirring up from your soul a great awakening into the realm of all that is mythical, all that is spiritual. 

'My Kingdom Rise' - a conventional tremolo and blast-beat-driven cut that intersperses between said scapes and double-bass current-laden melodic sequences. Ethereal atmospheric overtones create a most divine vibe like an otherworldly sort of mist blanketing over each passage; an ethereal ambiance that echoes through inter-realm passageways into the hallowed halls of Valhalla. Behold the imposing beat of war drums like Odin’s heartbeat and bear witness to stark cinematic visuals as your mind manifests from the music's courageous journeys into Valhalla, Fólkvangr, and the underworld - a vision of heroes fallen - some in honor and others in sympathy. The most entrancing and accessible track comes in the form of 'Light Up the Sky' as it alternates between tremolo riffs/blasts to martial rhythms and melodious tones accented by more of those blessed atmospherics. Our trek culminates with the titular track - a comprehensive number that delivers an array of nuances and stylistic elements that have thus far substantiated the entire album - as menacing as Loki and equally as maniacal before carrying over into a gentle closing passage. A touching end to a tale most profound.

A kingdom forged over earthly ruins and an homage to the gods of yore. Hymns To The Norse - Seid’s crowning achievement. A very unique record that leaves those with a lesser understanding of true BM yearning for more clarity in product, while we who happen to be seasoned enthusiasts walk away from the experience no less than completely satisfied. Hails be unto the gods! And blessed be their sage-like and war-torn servants. Relinquish unto them now your undying loyalty, and offer unto them honorable victories over your enemies. True Norse black metal done the Sverige way: epic, melodic, and traditional. A superb record from beginning to end. 

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review by Felix on October 20, 2024.

Since their debut in 2016, I have always checked the albums of Sweden’s Seid. In my humble opinion, the band grew slowly but steadily. Maybe the same goes for the music on Hymns To The Norse. It is based on a musically different approach and on a significantly different production. It is a low-fi mix and its two sides of the coin are obvious. On the one hand, it guarantees an eerie listening experience in its best moments. On the other hand, some sections sound very blurred and almost muddy. One can get used to it, so I do not say that it is a negative factor. Nevertheless, it would be a mistake to expect a clear, well-defined sound.

Although its title seems to indicate a very generic form of black metal, Hymns To The Norse is rather a kind of experiment. It was already composed before Svartr Sól, the band calls the album “a sidestep”. I agree. It leaves the technical progress of the band behind or, to be more precise, it gives you the feeling that the guys did not want to feature their technical skills. The band concentrates on a more or less primordial approach. Almost without interruption, restless melody lines shimmer through the foggy sound. Abrupt breaks and unexpected twists and turns do not play a remarkable role here. The focus has been put on the homogeneity of the songs. The album is not the Pagan answer to early black metal works like “Transilvanian Hunger” which did concentrate on the flow of the single songs because the less harsh way of proceeding gives the tracks a different aroma. (Nevertheless, some parts of the strong and unrelenting 'My Kingdom Rise' are not too far away from Darkthrone’s wildest period.) But maybe fans of the black metal scene of Quebec, whose bands also put a close eye on a coherent flow, will probably find easy access to the album.

While I am not able to enjoy the pretty noisy closer (which prevents a slightly higher rating), I like the ominous beginning of 'The End Of Days' and my personal favorite is 'Nordmænnens Raseri'. From my point of view, it holds the most expressive melodies. They create a cold and dark atmosphere. Furthermore, the tempo changes are well done, although the snare is almost too fast for the rest of the band from time to time. But I don’t care, because the song scores with depth, devastation, and a pretty brutal catchiness. However, 'Hymns To The Norse', which includes both very raw lead vocals and a few Viking background choirs, is an album that wants to be understood as a whole. The band has musically nothing in common with Bolt Thrower, but most albums of the British legend worked the same way. They had a lot of good songs, but the highlight was the impression the whole respective full-length left. Seid’s fifth output intends to create a similar impact. I admit that I am not totally convinced of the result, but I appreciate the courage and the uncompromising attitude of the dudes. More open-minded maniacs will surely enjoy the album, but it remains a special experience and in all honesty, I won’t be sad if Seid go back to their roots again.

Rating: 7.2 out of 10