VINTERSORG – Vattenkrafternas Spel

RELEASE YEAR: 2025
BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/vintersorganic/

The first time I came across Vintersorg main man Andreas Hedlund’s fabulous singing was when I saw Borknagar perform live in Aalborg, Denmark, on the back of their splendidly melodic Quintessence album in what seems like another lifetime. But that was then, this is now, and the first new material by Vintersorg since 2017’s Till Fjälls Del II will soon see the light of day via Hammerheart Records.

Vintersorg has always existed as a creative outlet for the aforementioned vocalist and been a vehicle for expressing his own musical visions – primarily ones that blend folk metal, melodic black metal, Nordic folk music, pagan metal, and a dash of progressive rock to good effect. The upcoming 9-track opus titled Vattenkrafternas Spel is an inspired piece of work that benefits from harboring an infectious enthusiasm, and it weaves its themes revolving around primordial forces, the wonders and terrors of nature, and man’s role in the world together in a convincing manner. The vocals hit the spot as do the riffs and melodies on nearly all occasions, and the symphonic touches and keyboard atmospherics add both bombast and a feeling of yearning to the proceedings. Somewhat frustratingly, the production lacks proper clarity, definition, and punch, and more separation between the various instruments would have brought out the nuances and layers much more and added some substantial textures in many respects.

Vattenkrafternas Spel is a solid affair and an enjoyable listen where great musicianship and strong songwriting skills abound, and as mentioned before it comes across as an inspired work, but it lacks truly majestic songs capable of moving mountains and giving you the chills. As such, it is hardly a future classic nor an absolute must-have unless experimental folk-inspired metal appeals to you immensely. The highlights include the epic opening piece “Efter dis kommer dimma” and the varied yet immediately accessible “Ur älv och å.”