Tsjuder: Helvegr (2023)

“Helvegr” by Tsjuder, released in 2023 after an eight-year hiatus, marks the band’s triumphant return to the black metal scene, showcasing their signature raw and aggressive sound influenced by traditional Norwegian black metal. Featuring new drummer Jon Rice, the album blends ferocity with thematic continuity, delving into Satanic and anti-religious themes while drawing inspiration from Norse mythology.

Track Listing

Iron Beast
Prestehammeren
Surtr
Gamle-Erik
Chaos Fiend
Gods of Black Blood
Helvegr
Faenskap og død
Hvit død (instrumental)

Album length: 41:20

Music genre

Black metal

The Lineup for the Album

Nag: vocals, bass
Draugluin: guitars, backing vocals
Jon Rice: drums

Release Date

June 23, 2023

Record Label

Season of Mist

Recording Studio

Morbid Studios (Lisbon, Portugal) and Cerebral Audio Productions (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Produced by

Tsjuder and Pål Emanuelsen

Album Themes/Concept

Darkness and Evil: Tsjuder delves deep into themes of darkness and malevolence, evoking the essence of black metal’s traditional roots. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of infernal landscapes, demonic entities, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Expect songs that transport you to a realm where shadows reign supreme, and the darkness is a force to be reckoned with.

Mythology and Paganism: “Helvegr” is rich with references to Norse mythology and pagan beliefs. Tracks like “Surtr” and “Helvegr” (the album’s title track) invoke ancient deities and mythical narratives, blending historical lore with the band’s own grim interpretation. This infusion of mythology adds a layer of depth and mystique, perfect for those who appreciate metal that connects with ancient traditions and stories.

Anti-Religious Sentiment: A hallmark of Tsjuder’s lyrical content, the album doesn’t shy away from expressing disdain for organized religion. This anti-religious sentiment is articulated through blasphemous imagery and confrontational lyrics, challenging religious dogma and celebrating themes of rebellion and defiance against spiritual oppression.

Chaos and Destruction: Chaos and destruction are recurring motifs throughout “Helvegr.” The songs often depict apocalyptic scenarios, relentless warfare, and the ultimate downfall of civilization. The aggressive tone and unrelenting pace of the music mirror these themes, creating an atmosphere of total annihilation that resonates with the chaotic nature of black metal.

Existential Struggles: The album also touches on existential themes, exploring the human condition, mortality, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. These introspective elements add a philosophical edge to the brutality, making the listener ponder the deeper aspects of existence amid the chaos.

Album Mood

Intense and Ferocious: The album kicks off with an unyielding intensity that doesn’t let up. From the very first track, “Iron Beast,” you’re hit with a wall of sound that’s both aggressive and relentless. The fast-paced riffs, blast beats, and harsh vocals create an atmosphere of raw, untamed power. This is an album that demands your attention and pulls no punches, ideal for listeners who crave high-energy black metal.

Dark and Menacing: “Helvegr” exudes a pervasive sense of darkness. The lyrical themes and musical composition work together to create a sinister, foreboding mood. Tracks like “Prestehammeren” and “Gamle-Erik” are steeped in evil, with menacing melodies and eerie atmospherics that evoke images of ancient rituals and shadowy figures. This dark aura is a key component of the album’s identity, drawing listeners into its malevolent world.

Epic and Mythological: There is a grand, epic quality to many of the tracks, particularly those that delve into Norse mythology. “Surtr” and the title track “Helvegr” transport you to a time of gods and giants, battles and quests. The music swells with a sense of grandeur, making you feel like you’re part of a mythic saga. This epic mood is perfect for fans of black metal who appreciate storytelling and historical themes.

Chaotic and Apocalyptic: Chaos reigns supreme throughout “Helvegr.” The music often mirrors the lyrical themes of destruction and apocalypse, with frenzied guitar work and relentless drumming that create a sense of impending doom. “Chaos Fiend” and “Gods of Black Blood” are prime examples of this chaotic mood, delivering a soundscape that feels like the world is unraveling around you.

Melancholic and Reflective: Amidst the fury and darkness, there are moments of melancholic reflection. The instrumental track “Hvit død” provides a somber, introspective pause in the album’s onslaught. These moments add depth and contrast, allowing the listener to catch their breath and ponder the more existential themes woven into the music. This melancholic undercurrent gives the album an emotional weight that resonates on a deeper level.

Album Trivia

Eight-Year Hiatus: Tsjuder released “Helvegr” after an eight-year break since their previous album “Antiliv” in 2015. This hiatus was marked by various challenges, including the pandemic and the departure of their long-time drummer, Anti-Christian. Despite these hurdles, the band made a triumphant return, showcasing their resilience and commitment to their craft.

New Addition to the Line-Up: The album features a new drummer, Jon Rice, known for his work with Behemoth and Job for a Cowboy. His addition brought a fresh energy to the band, helping to maintain their intense and aggressive sound while staying true to their black metal roots.

Guest Musicians: “Helvegr” includes contributions from guest musicians, notably Pål Emanuelsen, who not only performed a guitar solo but also handled the mixing and mastering of the album. This collaboration added a distinct touch to the album’s production quality and musical depth.

Inspiration from Manes: During an interview on The Thomas Eriksen Podcast, Nag, Tsjuder’s vocalist and bassist, mentioned that some of the inspiration for “Helvegr” came from the Norwegian band Manes. Although Manes’ music is quite different from Tsjuder’s black metal, Nag appreciated the atmosphere of their demos and found it influential during the pre-recording phase of “Helvegr”.

Thematic Continuity: The album is celebrated for its thematic continuity, staying true to Tsjuder’s Satanic and anti-religious lyrical themes. This consistency has cemented their status in the black metal community as purveyors of “Trve Norwegian black metal,” a term denoting authenticity in the genre.

Critical Acclaim: “Helvegr” received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its brutal and uncompromising approach. It’s considered one of their best works, often equated with their earlier classics like “Kill For Satan” and “Desert Northern Hell”.

Consistency in Sound: Tsjuder has always maintained their core black metal sound since their formation in 1993. Nag highlighted that the band consistently uses a few reference albums, like “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas” by Mayhem and “Pure Holocaust” by Immortal, to ensure they stay true to their musical roots. This approach has contributed to their reputation for producing consistently aggressive and authentic black metal.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Appreciate Traditional Black Metal: If you enjoy the raw, aggressive sound of classic Norwegian black metal bands like Mayhem, Immortal, and Darkthrone, “Helvegr” will resonate with you. The album stays true to the traditional black metal sound with its ferocious riffs, blast beats, and grim vocals.
Value Consistent Themes of Darkness and Anti-Religion: Those who are drawn to themes of darkness, Satanism, and anti-religion will find “Helvegr” captivating. The album maintains Tsjuder’s signature lyrical focus on evil and rebellion against religious dogma.
Enjoy Mythological and Historical References: If you appreciate lyrics that delve into Norse mythology and ancient tales, this album offers rich storytelling intertwined with its brutal sound. Tracks like “Surtr” and “Helvegr” highlight these mythological themes.
Seek High-Energy, Unrelenting Music: For those who thrive on intense, high-energy music that doesn’t let up, “Helvegr” delivers a relentless auditory assault. The album’s pace and aggression are perfect for listeners who love music that keeps their adrenaline pumping.
Admire Technical Proficiency and Tight Performances: Fans of technically proficient musicianship and tight, precise performances will appreciate the skill displayed on this album. The addition of Jon Rice on drums brings a new level of technical excellence to Tsjuder’s sound.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer Melodic or Symphonic Elements: If you lean towards black metal with melodic or symphonic elements, like Dimmu Borgir or Cradle of Filth, Tsjuder’s “Helvegr” might feel too raw and unrefined for your tastes.
Dislike Extreme Vocal Styles: Those who are not fans of harsh, guttural vocals typical of traditional black metal may find the vocal style on “Helvegr” challenging to enjoy.
Are Sensitive to Blasphemous Content: The album’s strong anti-religious and blasphemous themes might be off-putting if you are sensitive to or uncomfortable with such content.
Favor Progressive or Experimental Metal: If you prefer metal that incorporates progressive structures or experimental sounds, you might find “Helvegr” too straightforward and lacking in the complexity that characterizes more avant-garde metal bands.
Seek Clean Production: “Helvegr” embraces a raw production style that aims to capture the live energy of the band. Listeners who prefer clean, polished production might find this approach less appealing.