Welcome to Infernal Visions, a column where I review an album and pull a tarot card, oracle, or rune called forth by said album, sharing my interpretation of the card and how I feel it relates to the music. Let us bring together distortion and divinity. This week’s calling is Danish folk metal album Hævnen by Vansind (out now) and Thurisaz.
The Call: Vansind – Hævnen
With killer metal riffs, primordial haunting folk melodies, tin whistles and bagpipes, insane drumming, and guttural Viking vocals mixed with beautiful clean vocals, Vansind’s sophomore album Hævnen is full of life. Lyrically, the band continues their exploration and dive into Nordic mythology and Scandinavian history. The result is an epic journey with cinematic flare. The energy is infectious and powerful, making listeners feel ready for battle.
“Det Største Offer” kicks off the album strongly, with a folk introduction of whistle and bagpipes, slowly building before bursting open with riffs, drums, and death metal vocals. This track spans over nine minutes and is easily my favorite of the album. It combines everything the band represents, including the alluring juxtaposition of Line Burglin’s clean vocals alongside the ferocity of J. Asgaard’s deep growls. It feels like a true anthem and sets the tone for the remainder of Hævnen. Anticipation and hype is curated expertly. Majority of the pieces have a similar rise and fall switching between quieter pure folk moments, and metal moments with folk elements intertwined. “I Yggdrasils Skygge” stands out with high energy and metal brutality through and through, another instant anthem. “Truslen Fra Dybet” is a second favorite of mine and also leans more to the metal side but heavily features whistle and has a catchy tune throughout that stayed with me long after each listen. The album closes with “Skæbnens Tunge Vej,” a predominately folk track with acoustic guitar, strings, horn, and Burglin’s soaring vocals. The ending note rings out, ending powerfully and leaving listeners craving more.
I enjoyed Vansind’s debut that was released in in 2023. This follow-up feels like a continuation and brought back all the elements previously established by the band, as they solidify their sound and build their discography. The combination of folk, death metal, and hints of symphonic power metal with catchy melodies and brutal riffs create a dynamic and thunderous force.
The Card: Thurisaz
I felt it more appropriate to pull a rune with this album. Thurisaz is a part of Freya’s aett, associated with life, creation, and as the first aett in the aettir, beginnings. Meaning “thorn,” this rune can indicate pain, symbolizing chaos and disruptive energy. It alludes to a time of trials with forces standing in opposition and the need to be brave, stand strong, and face difficulties courageously. It can additionally suggest a call for defensive measures or establishing boundaries. Thurisaz is also the symbol of thunder and lightning and as such is equated with Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir. Pulled upright, I see this rune as an opportunity to channel any pain into change and utilize it positively. It indicates a time to call upon my higher self, find the strength and clarity from her and use that energy to face whatever storms that have been brewing head on. I feel the need to include the reverse meaning of Thurisaz as it symbolizes lost battles, exhaustion, betrayal and is an indicator for revenge. Afterall, “hævnen” means “revenge.” If pulled reversely, I see this as time to pause, listen to my intuition, and maybe avoid whatever negative energy may be coming my way. Either way, I think it offers an opportunity to check in with your higher self (or ancestors, or deities) and call upon them for some guidance and support.
Vansind explains that in this release, they “wanted to explore the darker consequences of choice, loyalty and loss. It’s an album about standing your ground, even when the cost is high.” While the reverse meaning of Thurisaz certainly applies with its more intense symbolism, the power behind both ends feels appropriately tied to Hævnen and its folklore roots.
Blessed be.
–Angela
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