Wyrd - Kalivägi (2009)

Kalivägi is the 8th full length from Finnish primal pagan/black artist Wyrd, an album which kicks much of the gothic/melodic influence that surfaced on their past few releases to return to the roots of albums such as Heathen or Huldrafolk. Six tracks and 40 minutes in length, it's a satisfying enough effort, though never mindblowing.

"Verisurma" opens and closes with the same synth line in different octaves, a chilling string that would not be out of place in some folk or barbaric fantasy. Connecting these points are sections of simple, mid-paced black metal that often follow the same melody. The mix here distinguishes the album from the band's early work, but the level of composition is much the same. Title track "Kalivägi" begins with a plodding bass and slow rhythm below Narqath's grim vocal eclipse, with a majestic, warlike bridge/chorus. The acoustic stream of "Hämärän Soutajat" is one of the highlights of the album, tranquil and relaxing with some excellent vocals, and when the song kicks into metal gear it is not unwelcome. "Loitsulaulu" is introduced with soaring melodies that create a fine whole with the black vocals, and another of the strongest tracks here. "Talviyö" is the requisite 'epic' at over 10 minutes, and quite nice considering it moves at the same pace through nearly its entirety of evocative, heavy acoustics and hints of melodic piano. "Kaikki Metsän Kaiut" caps off the record with some interesting percussion and another warlike anthem, and I enjoyed the woodwind 'breakdown'.

Kalivägi is arguably the band's best sounding album to date, that is if you prefer a modern, clear mix to the obscurity of the early releases. All the tones shine and the vocals ride them like the curse of Lowyatar upon the conscience of some hero of old. Once you get past the first two tracks (decent but occasionally dull), the remainder of the album is a delight. My preference for the two Vargtimmen albums remains, but Wyrd have made a decent visit to their past with this.

Verdict: Win [7/10]

http://www.kolumbus.fi/~kr8342/infernal/wyrd/

Wyrd - Heathen (2001)

The debut from Finland's Wyrd was not something I first appreciated, but it's ambitious nonetheless for a first album; a single track over 50 minutes in length which ranges emotionally from acoustic folk bliss to sauntering, slow-paced black metal. The album is raw enough to appeal to the kvlt sect seeking out a tranquil experience, with lush atmospheric synthesizers, manly clean vocals alternating with black snarls and spoken word. It has gradually grown on me, there is a certain primordial charm to it.

At this point, Wyrd was simply Narqath, so all the instruments here were the work of a single man. The drums are programmed but thankfully rather low in the mix, efficiently carrying the weight of the guitars. There is a truly organic vibe at work. I've heard comparisons to (early) Agalloch and I can hear that, even though I enjoy Wyrd more. It takes a particular compositional skill to ramble on for 51 minutes and not bore the listener, and though many of the parts to "Heathen" seem similar, they create enough peaks and valleys to engage you throughout the playlength. There are certain points where the flow of the guitars, the cheap but adorable synths and the crooning come together to create pagan metal bliss, a sincere window into the vistas and landscapes of Narqath's atavistic environment. The lyrics are in English, but based in Finnish mythology. They create a narrative for the separate phrases of the song, but there is a little too much pagan 'chest beating' for my tastes, and often seem a little overboard for the actual music content of the album, which is mellowing.

Proud in our hearts, unchained in our might we are pure heathen wrath unbound!

The strength of the album lies in its ability to capture the imagination and stow it away in Narqath's world for almost an hour. I've come to accept and enjoy this release, but it's still a far cry from his later work: Vargtimmen Parts I and II are both quite incredible, and most of the other albums are also worth hearing. I may have been dismissive at first of this album's cheesier elements, but age and wisdom have won out: Heathen is ultimately a good record.

Verdict: Win [7.5/10] (Swords swinging in the light of the moon)

http://www.kolumbus.fi/~kr8342/infernal/wyrd/