How’s your Icelandic? Chances are you don’t even know how to say “hi” in this ancient language. I don’t blame you—part of Sólstafir‘s charm is that, much like its homeland, it transports us to a remote place many have never seen. Yet, it remains familiar enough to be relatable. Calling Sólstafir a “Post/Black Metal cowboy” isn’t far off. In fact, Sólstafir could be seen as the extreme, modern response to Finland’s Leningrad Cowboys. Or am I pushing my Nordic culture references too far? Anyway, let’s dive into Hin Helga Kvöl.
Sólstafir is a band of many faces, and though I’m still waiting to be as blown away as I was with Ótta or Köld, I can’t fault it for constantly experimenting. Sólstafir refuses to settle into being just a Post-Rock band, or a Black Metal band, or even a Rock ‘n’ Roll band. Hin Helga Kvöl has a bit of everything. The opening tracks might trick you into thinking it has reverted to an old-school Norwegian Black Metal sound, but soon enough, the album shifts into something closer to what Kontinuum usually offers. And before you can say, “This album clearly has a harsh and groovy section”, you’re met with middle and closing tracks that venture into more experimental territory.
Don’t worry, though—Hin still delivers what fans expect. The imagery of Iceland’s endless treeless landscapes, its cold isolation, and the looming threat of volcanic annihilation are all here. Hin captures that feeling of crossing a searing glacier, a paradox of extremes. I’ve always found it amusing how Sólstafir evokes “highway Metal”, considering Iceland only has one main road. But somehow, Hin Helga Kvöl manages to mix all the band’s eras into something that works better than it might seem on paper.
I know what you’re thinking: “how can I grow a beard like that?”
That said, I can’t deny that I miss some of the more atmospheric work from earlier albums. I know Sólstafir pushed those elements to their limits before, but as much as I appreciate how direct and punchy these tracks feel, I’m left wanting a bit more build-up. Yes, I’m usually the first to complain about bands overindulging, but Sólstafir has always had a unique way of handling those long, winding passages. So, if you’re hoping for 10-minute epics here, you might feel a bit out of place. The band hit the “edit” button, and while the result isn’t concerning, it’s just… different.
I don’t think Hin will divide fans, but it might attract a new crowd—those who found Sólstafir’s more atmospheric tendencies a bit too much. Honestly, do people in Iceland have a lot of free time? I can’t think of a band from there that puts out an album under 60 minutes. It’s almost become a school of thought! Still, I’m glad that one of its most influential bands decided to challenge that norm for once.
Label: Century Media
Release date: 8 November, 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/solstafirice
Country: Iceland
Score: Free of any torment, or 3.0/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 