Release Date May 1st, 2026
Format LP/CD/Digital
Genre Melodic Nordic Folk Metal
Origin Denmark
Born in the rainy streets of Slagelse back in 2019, Vansind is a crew that clearly spent too much time drinking mead and staring at Viking burial mounds. They made some waves with their first record “Mørket” a few years ago, proving they could actually play their gear instead of just posing with plastic axes. Now they’ve dragged themselves back into the light with a second full-length effort, trying to prove that their blend of bagpipes and distorted riffs isn't just a gimmick for the Renaissance fair crowd.
“Hævnen” is a thick slice of melodic folk metal that packs enough punch to keep the pit moving without getting too lost in the woods. The guitars on tracks like “Blodhævn” and “Det Sidste Nådeskys” have a heavy, rhythmic stomp that provides a decent foundation for the more melodic elements to dance on top of. It’s got that classic Nordic chill, but the production is beefy enough to ensure the drums actually sound like someone is hitting them with intent.
The vocal trade-off between J. Asgaard and Line Burglin is where the real deal is. You get the gravel-throated growls clashing against clean, soaring melodies, which is a trope older than Odin himself, but they pull it off with enough attitude to keep it from being boring. In “I Yggdrasils Skygge”, the interplay is especially effective, making the whole thing sound like a drunken argument between a berserker and a valkyrie.
Having the tin whistle and bagpipes right in the middle of the carnage is a choice that usually makes me want to head for the exits, but Vansind manages to make it work. On “Truslen Fra Dybet” and “Alvild”, these ancient sounds actually add a layer of cold, historical atmosphere instead of sounding like a soundtrack for a children’s cartoon. It’s heavy, it’s melodic, and it doesn't shy away from being a bit theatrical when the moment calls for a little extra drama.
Overall, this is a strong showing for a band still climbing the ladder. While some parts of “Det Største Offer” might drag on a bit longer than necessary for my taste, the sheer aggression and folk melodies kept me listening. It’s a reliable album for anyone who wants to imagine they’re sailing a longship while stuck in morning traffic. Vansind is definitely a name to watch if they keep sharpening their steel like this.
Score: 7.0
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