Evilon – Ginnungagap Review

The moment the listener hits the play button, they are welcomed by Mjölhnir, which opens with a grand and folk-inspired introduction. This is quickly followed by an energetic, melodic instrumental paired with gritty vocals.

As the listener embarks on the second track, Far From Home, along with the other nine pieces, they are drawn into a thrilling forty-two-minute odyssey steeped in epic storytelling and folklore. This musical journey explores a rich tapestry of Biblical, Celtic, and Nordic themes, weaving together a spectrum of emotions such as grief, hope, hatred, anger, and love. “Ginnungagap is the primordial void in Norse mythology, described as the vast, empty abyss that existed before the creation of the cosmos. It was the space between Muspelheim, the realm of fire, and Niflheim, the realm of ice.”

Evilon’s album Ginnungagap is a fruit of art creation, carefully crafted and thoughtfully arranged. Every void is filled with vibrant melodies, folk influences, orchestral rhythms, from mellow to melodic to crushing buildups, anthemic moments, and a blend of heaviness and aggression that sets a captivating atmosphere. The instrumental and vocal arrangements are executed with a sense of ease, flowing gracefully like a Viking longship gliding across a tranquil sea. The smooth transitions between various musical elements offer an immersive experience, inviting listeners to embark on a journey through time and emotion. Each track unfolds like an epic tale, rich in narrative and depth, ensuring that Ginnungagap lingers in the mind long after the last note has been played.

Ginnungagap emerges from this artistic creation, offering listeners a rich tapestry of sound that is both professionally crafted and enveloped in a unique production. The music strikes a perfect balance, showcasing a polished quality while still embracing a raw intensity, allowing both melodic and aggressive aspects to resonate powerfully. This harmonious blend invites the audience to delve into the profound emotions and intensity woven into each track, resulting in an unforgettable auditory adventure. Beyond mere melodic aggression, it also weaves in the enchanting beauty and mythical essence of Celtic and Nordic traditions.

Evilon‘s guitar prowess is spearheaded by Kenneth Evstrand and David Rask. Their distinctive style blends galloping, heavy chugging riffs with melodic leads and harmonies influenced by folk music. The guitar tone strikes a balance between the fierce aggression of death metal and the enchanting melodies of folk, resulting in a crisp and powerful sound. Kjell Rune Sönsthagen, the band’s bassist, lays down a robust low-end foundation. His bass lines are both tight and rhythmic, typically mirroring the guitar riffs while enriching the overall sound with depth and groove.

Robin Hurmalainen Persson’s drum work is characterized by its fast pace and dynamic flair, showcasing blast beats, double bass patterns, and intricate fills. The percussion is essential in amplifying the intensity of their sound, seamlessly blending with both the melodic and aggressive parts. Tor Ragnarök Holt‘s vocals are fierce and commanding, showcasing deep growls alongside moments of clean singing. His vocal style enriches the band’s grand and mythological narratives, infusing their lyrics with emotional depth.

At the same time, Evilon weaves folk influences into their music, incorporating traditional melodies and instruments. The listener will find that the band also incorporates orchestration and atmospheric elements to enhance their sound. These additional elements add depth and ambiance, particularly in intros and interludes. This creates a rich tapestry of sound that transports the audience to a different realm, evoking a range of emotions with each track. As the music unfolds, listeners are invited to lose themselves in the intricate layers and harmonies that define Evilon‘s unique style.

Evilon’s Ginnungagap is enchanting, transcending the blend of melodic and intense passages in the music. It demands your complete focus, best experienced with headphones on, all modern distractions turned off, a Viking horn in one hand, and bundled up in a quiet corner. Immerse yourself in those enchanting moments, the playful interludes, the haunting siren calls, and everything else that unfolds in your ears. Then, crank the volume to the highest setting and let Ginnungagap resonate through the grand halls of Valhalla.

Evilon’s ability to blend folk melodies with aggressive yet melodic death metal riffs, drawing comparisons to bands like Amon Amarth, Ensiferum, and Wintersun. And if you like these bands, then Evilon is for you!

Ginnungagap concludes with the final track, Brothers of Evilon, where the melodies drift into a world of fire and ice. The Viking longship drifts off to the lands of unknown, prompting us to lift our Viking horns in tribute to Odin. We want to thank, both Fetzner Death Records and The Metallist PR for letting us review Evilon and their album, Ginnungagap. We will wrap it up by discussing the final three sins and concluding the review.