Hymns to the Norse

SEID - “Hymns to the Norse” 2024

SEID ᛋᛖIᛞ
“Hymns to the Norse”

Origin: Stockholm, Sweden

Genre: Black Metal

Label: De Tenebrarum Primcipio / ATMF

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 via De Tenebrarum Principio / ATMF.

Seid formed in 2009, and currently have 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 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 of 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.

Captivation: 8.5/10
Cover Art: 10/10
Concept: 9/10
Production: 8.5/10
Revisitability: 8.5/10

Final Score: 8.5/10

Experience “Hymns to the Norse” by Seid right here as presented by Black Metal Promotion:

https://youtu.be/NNyYiUsd06o?si=fmLJREdZZ9Sd7ejo

~Jeger