Brothers Of Metal – Fimbulvinter

Brothers Of Metal
Fimbulvinter
Label: AFM Records
Out: November 1^st, 2024
Playing time: 57:46

Brothers Of Metal are a spectacular phenomenon on the international metal scene, their catchy yet powerful songs and martial outfits, including archaic weaponry, paying homage to both heavy metal and the Norse gods.

These are the opening words of the press release for the current album ‘Fimbulvinter’. Two studio albums have been released to date. The debut ‘Prophecy of Ragnarök’ even twice – in 2017 as a self-release, followed by the re-release in 2018 via AFM Records. However, the last sign of life, ‘Emblas Saga’, was four years ago. So it was time again. Thirteen new songs can be heard on ‘Fimbulvinter’. By the way, the term ‘Fimbulvinter’ describes an extremely long three-year(!) winter in Norse mythology. This is regarded as the first sign of a coming Ragnarök!

As expected, ‘Sowilo’ starts with orchestral epics. But soon you can hear a Power Metal anthem. All three singers can be heard as a trio. The tempo picks up on ‘Flight Of The Ravens’. The double bass drives it on. Choruses and orchestral passages provide bombast. Also ‘Giantslayer’ is one of the harder and faster songs. Once again, the double bass is the driving force. And the interplay of female and male vocals, some of which are harsh, dominates. ‘Heart Of Stone’ is the next great Power Metal anthem. Here, too, the vocals are quite raspy for long parts. But Ylva Eriksson also contributes her enchanting voice again and again. The crowning glory is a guitar solo. ‘Rivers Of Gold’ has a strong Folk Rock flavour. Acoustic guitars lead the melody at first. Later you can hear banging riffs. The anthemic ‘Blood Red Sky’ continues. A ballad-like song in places, again mixed with some Folk. ‘Ratatos’ is also an anthem but played faster than before. ‘Chasing Lights’ is a bit more banging again. Fast guitar hooks, riffs and driving drums provide the tempo. And with ‘Heavy Metal Viking’, the Metal is back. Hammer blows at the beginning are replaced by heavy, pounding riffs. Despite everything, very melodic. With strong guitar solos. The next anthem follows with ‘The Other Son Of Odin’. A distinctive bass line can be heard in places. In ‘Berserkir’, battle chants can be heard at the beginning, accompanied by a powerful bass. Shortly before the end, you can hear a contemplative ballad. The calm vocals on ‘Nanna’s Fate’ are accompanied by strings and acoustic guitars. But also, with hard riffs. The catchy chorus is easy to sing along to. The album ends with the title track ‘Fimbulvinter’. One last great anthem.

The third album by the Swedish Power Metal horde Brothers of Metal has a high entertainment value. Nordic Viking metal. There are also one or two borrowings from Scandinavian folklore. Certainly, what we hear here is nothing new. But very well realised musically. Just the right sound to party to at live shows.

Brothers Of Metal – Fimbulvinter: https://youtu.be/SlzLplEogrs?si=ScTgirLFyoF5l2CR 

Lineup:

Ylva Eriksson – Vocals
Joakim Lindbäck Eriksson – Vocals
Mats Nilsson – Vocals
Dawid Grahn – Guitar
Pähr Nilsson – Guitar
Emil Wärmedal – Bass
Johan Johansson – Drums
Christian Larsson – Live, Guitar

Track list:

1. Sowilo
2. Flight Of The Ravens
3. Giantslayer
4. Heart Of Stone
5. Rivers Of Gold
6. Blood Red Sky
7. Ratatosk
8. Chasing Light
9. Heavy Metal Viking
10. The Other Son Of Odin