Published October 20, 2011
Skálmöld’s debut ‘Baldur’ is a concept album, and follows the story of a Viking by that name. The story starts shortly before he loses his family, livestock, estate and land in a savage attack on his farm, and follows him through revenge and death, and to Valhalla.
This is not a Saga, but a new story based on the Sagas and Old Norse mythologies. However, it might also be construed as a modern story, as a great many Icelanders have lost their families, jobs, homes and savings—even the minds and lives—since the total collapse of Iceland in 2008 (even if few want to admit it)!
There are ten tracks on the album. They range from Icelandic “Rímur” chanting, male choirs, children crying, folk music, prog rock, death metal, bit of punk, screaming rock ‘n’ roll vocals, “bark” singing, full blast heavy metal and lots of rock guitar.
‘Baldur’ is likely the best metal record made in Iceland. The band has the experience, knowledge and wit to make a special record that has a well-crafted story, well formed lyrics, music based on ideas from all kinds of genres. Skálmöld also know how to make an interesting record that gives the listener a grin now and then, and a knowing smile.
There are epic songs on the album that are going to played for years to come, like ‘Kvaðning’ (“A calling on”), ‘Valhöll’ (“Valhalla”), ‘Árás’ (“Attack”) and ‘Dauði’ (“Death”).
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