Hrafnablót – Guðlaugar Saga

Hrafnablót
Guðlaugar Saga
Out: 11^th September 2026
Playing time: 48:04

The Icelandic Folk Metal band Hrafnablót was formed in the autumn of 2024. The musicians draw inspiration from the contrast between light and darkness in Icelandic mythology. They weave together heavy riffs with folk influences and catchy melodies. Clear and raw vocal passages provide a striking contrast.

The outcome is a sound rooted in Icelandic myth and landscape.

The album ‘Guðlaugar Saga’ tells the story of Guðlaug, a modern woman who is transported back to the time of Iceland’s first settlement. She is clad only in her everyday clothes and armed with a taser.

Although I’m not usually a fan of drawn-out intros, ‘Spádómurinn’ (in English, ‘The Prophecy’) suits this kind of music perfectly. Ravens, wind, and words whispered or spoken with powerful pathos in the local language. ‘Dísablót’ (‘Goddess Blot’) begins with a powerful bass line, later joined by guitars. Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir sings in a high register, at times pushing herself to the very limit. But don’t worry, she can also sing more calmly and in a lower register – in other words, more pleasantly. Guðlaug sits alone in a bar and is drawn into an ancient ritual, as a result of which she is transported back in time. In ‘Heljarhlíð’ (‘Hell Hill’), the Icelandic underworld does indeed seem to open up. Could this refer to the Hekla volcano, which was considered its entrance in the Middle Ages? Guðlaug is drawn into a conflict and defends herself with her taser. Hard, rhythmic riffs, which somehow seem majestic, are underpinned by the growls of keyboardist Ólafur Daði Jónsson. Hugrún’s high-pitched, slightly anxious-sounding vocals provide the contrast. ‘Kappar, Meyjar, Komendur’ (‘Knights, Maids, Guests’) is an intro consisting of spoken words accompanied by acoustic guitars, leading into the subsequent ‘Fögnuður’ (‘Joy’) – a rousing Folk Metal party song. In this drinking song, you can hear catchy vocal passages alongside powerful guitars. The highlight is a keyboard solo. This is how the festivities unfold after a battle has been won. Once the celebrations are over and the guests have fallen asleep, a band of robbers storms the hall, believing that Guðlaug is a witch who used her magic to influence the outcome of the battle. In ‘Nornarheimt’ (‘Witches’ Gathering’), she is therefore abducted. Arguably the heaviest track on the album is dominated by galloping guitars, pounding drums and frantic vocals. ‘Svartigaldur’ (‘Black Magic’) is actually an Icelandic sea shanty with a metallic edge. The time-traveller is accused of using her magical powers. That is why she was tied to the mast of a boat. Alongside the drums, the screeching of seabirds can be heard. Harsh and clear vocals alternate. In ‘Heimþrá’ (‘Homesickness’), Guðlaug wishes to return home to present-day Iceland. Melodic keyboard riffs and Hugrún’s wistful vocals take centre stage. ‘Örlagavegur’ (‘Road of Destiny’) is a multi-movement epic lasting almost eleven and a half minutes, featuring numerous changes in tempo and rhythm. Heavy riffs alternate with many beautiful melodies. Guðlaug is struggle with a decision. Should she return to her present, or should she remain in the past? Although she is urgently urged by the Fates to return to the present, she chooses the past. And, thanks to her special powers, she changes the course of Iceland’s history.

On ‘Guðlaugar Saga’, we hear an impressive blend of different styles of heavy metal and Icelandic folklore. And Hrafnablót pulls off this balancing act exceptionally well. This is surely one of the best folk metal albums I’ve ever heard.

Hrafnablót – Heljarhlíð: https://youtu.be/f4mEwniTdVA?si=8tB8bhDIbZ5rFEBP

Lineup:

Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir – Vocals
Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson – Bass, Backing Vocals
Ólafur Daði Jónsson – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Steingrímur Viðar Karlsson – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Andri Pétur Dalmar – Drums, Backing Vocals
Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir – Guitar

Track list:

• Spádómurinn
• Dísablót
• Heljarhlíð
• Kappar, Meyjar, Komendur
• Fögnuður
• Nornarheimt
• Svartigaldur
• Heimþrá
• Örlagavegur