HELHEIM - Niðr Ok Norðr Liggr Helvegr / Helheim · BLACK 2LP

Black double vinyl in gatefold sleeve with 16-page 12" booklet and A2 poster.

More about 'Niðr Ok Norðr Liggr Helvegr / Helheim'

This is absolutely essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the evolution of Norwegian black metal beyond the usual suspects. Helheim's second demo from 1994 represents a quantum leap from their earlier work, showcasing a band that was already pushing boundaries when most of their peers were still figuring out basic tremolo picking. The nearly 50-minute runtime was audacious for a demo, but Helheim had the vision to back up their ambition with genuinely innovative compositions that wove together black metal ferocity with folk elements, female vocals, and even brass arrangements.

What makes "Niðr Ok Norðr Liggr Helvegr" so compelling is how it captures Helheim at the moment they discovered their true identity. The Bathory influence is still there, but filtered through a distinctly Norwegian lens that incorporates Viking themes and progressive song structures. The production, now remastered from original DATs, reveals layers that were previously buried while maintaining the raw energy that made this demo legendary. This isn't just historical curiosity - it's a vital piece of metal history that sounds as fresh and challenging today as it did three decades ago.

For fans of: Enslaved, Bathory, Windir, Primordial and Moonsorrow.

Manufacturer: Darkness Shall Rise Productions, Lengenfelder Straße 58, 08107 Kirchberg, Germany, Contact: darknessshallrise.de