Year: 2020
Total Time: 39:20
Label Nuclear Blast

Leaving a band (especially when reaching its peak) contains a great deal of risk and this move is judged along the way. Erlend Hjelvik made such a decision in the summer of 2018 when he left KVELERTAK after their successful tour supporting METALLICA, not being able to allign with the new musical development of the Norwegians. Their new musical paths did not represent him and so he decided to go his own way, creating HJELVIK.

In this initiative, he filled the band with great musicians and created their debut album entitled “Welcome To Hell”. From the beginning of 2019 he worked on the composition of the new songs as well as the lyrics (something he did not do in KVELERTAK), which refer mainly to Norwegian mythology. The music combines traditional Heavy Metal with a Black / Viking atmosphere.

The album starts with “Father War” and grabs you straight by the throat. Catchy riffs infuse a beautiful rhythm, Hjelvik’s growls are ideal while the guitars provide melodies that make you want to hear it again and again. And before you even get your shit together, “Thor’s Hammer” comes in, a song that, apart from the black touches, contains this solo by Rob Steinway which takes the whole composition to the next level. In the same pattern “Helgringa” (written in Norwegian as “Kveldulv”) takes us on dark Viking paths with Kevin Foley’s drums “bursting” fire. In “The Power Ballad of Freyr” (which is not just a ballad), you can not remain unmoved by the original melody. It is a song about Freyr, the god associated with bravery, prosperity and peace.

In the debut of HJELVIK, collaborations are here to be explored. We start with the song “Glory Of Hel” in which Matt Pike of HIGH OF FIRE participates. His vocals are ideally combined with those of Erlend, offering a Heavy Metal diamond. In addition to that, Mike Scalzi of SLOUGH FEG participates in the five-minute “Necromance” that closes the album, with the sound clearly reminiscent of the 80s spirit. Ideal finale. “Ironwood” is a classic Heavy Metal track while the atmospheric “12th Spell” has its strong moments. Finally, the “North Tsar” with its beautiful riffs and intensity excites you. The excellent production is by Justin Phelps (SLOUGH FEG) while the work on the cover by the living legend Joe Petagno (creator of the MOTORHEAD brand and covers) is amazing.

In the forty minutes of his first work Erlend Hjelvik gives us a great album. The former frontman of KVELERTAK managed and dressed the classic Heavy Metal with the Blackened  moments and the Viking theme, both in music and in lyrics. Ten pieces that bring him back to the forefront, showing that he wins the first battle regarding his bold decision. In life when you feel trapped you have to take the next step, regardless of the possible dangers that may lie in wait. We expect a similar continuation.

Rating: 7.5/10
Editor: Nick Vlachos
Related Link: HJELVIK – Official Page