Imagine combining killer riffs, tin whistles and bagpipes, impressive drumming, and guttural Viking vocals mixed with beautiful clean vocals that sound as if Shakira was Danish…all done with incredible precision.  Amazing, right?  Vansind does all of the above and more in their debut full length release Mørket.  The melodies are catchy, and the array of instrumentation makes for a very lively album.  There are pure folk moments, pure metal moments, and plenty of the two combined.  Vansind is a newer band having formed in 2019, but they already have an established presence with a few singles and a successful EP that released in 2021.  Continuing to build their sound and cement their mark in folk metal, Mørket is an impressive debut and not to be missed.

“Mørket” translates to “Darkness” and is an apt album title as the lyrical themes center around the darker sides of Norse mythology and Scandinavian history.  Some tracks feel like marching into battle while others feel more ethereal.  Both sides make the album very powerful and even with no knowledge of the Danish language, listeners can feel the storytelling and an array of emotions that the music provokes.  The compositions are expertly crafted to navigate listeners.  Mørket opens with an ambient folk track including a poetic reading with backing harmonizing vocalization and a marching tempo building anticipation.  Leading beautifully into “Grib Til Våben,” which dives right into bagpipes and gruff vocals.  The marching tempo continues on and vocalist Line Burglin’s clean vocals perfectly balance the ferocity of the riffs and bandmate J. Asgaard’s deep growled vocals.  Further leaning into the topical themes, this juxtaposition alludes to the light and dark of both Norse mythology and Scandinavian history.  This is the first single release from the album and captures the overall feel nicely.  

My favorite track on Mørket is “Før Dagen Gryr” which opens with a drum solo before adding tin whistle.  Burglin’s vocals are showcased and the melody makes me want to sing along.  Her vibrato and tonality here is what gives off Shakira vibes and it is truly amazing and beautiful.  The following piece “Den Første Fejde” brings goosebumps in an acapella opening with perfect harmonies.  Acoustic guitar is then heard before the song bursts open with intense drumming.  Bagpipes are reintroduced as well.  I just love the instrumental variety and the way it is utilized.  It is so captivating and the turns of each song kept me on edge eager to hear what came next.  The energy of this album is so high and has a current running through it from beginning to end, keeping listeners amped and ready for battle (or their commute, or next class, or anything really).  

Mørket ends with a folk heavy track with acoustic guitar, woodwinds, and strings. Heavier instrumentation is brought in about three minutes in, perfectly capturing the two sides of the band and leaving listeners with an all-encompassing track.  Now that Vansind is on my radar, I will be following their journey. I am excited to see what they release next and wonder if they will release a full Scandinavian folk album in the future. Whatever direction they take, I know it will be captivating and highly spirited.  For now I will keep listening to Mørket and keep diving into the dark waters.

-Angela

---

Mørket is available now on Mighty Music.  For more information on Vansind visit their Facebook Page.