Undirheimar – Vardlokkur (EP – Cyclic Law)
Genre/Influences: Ritual, Dark-Ambient.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: This new work by Undirheimar is meant as a teaser to the upcoming album. “Vardlokkur” is more a kind of mini-album featuring three songs.
Content: “Vardlokkur” moves on from where the project’s debut album “Heljarrùnar” (2020) stopped. It’s a dark and dense sound universe characterized by impressive throat singing creating this Ritual and Shamanic style which is now and then accentuated by explicit sounds. The first and last songs are more extended.
+ + + : “Vardlokkur” invites the listener to join an obscure sound universe. You’ll assist in an imaginary dark and mysterious rite which is created by the bewitching power of throat singing. The songs have been accentuated by cool percussion while horn-like sounds are emerging at the surface.
– – – : The sound formula is a bit predictable and linear although fascinating.
Conclusion: Undirheimar let us visit imaginary places and rites with a true, realistic dimension.
Best songs: “Galdra”, “Grima Unheimsins”.
Rate: 7.
Artist: www.facebook.com/ThursianRitualArt
Label: www.cycliclaw.com / www.facebook.com/cycliclaw
About Undirheimar
Undirheimar is the ritual and dark ambient project of Chris Undirheimar, who works with throat singing, percussion and drone under the banner of Thursian ritual art. He also records as part of Sublimatio Mortis and Kemet.
The project debuted with “Heljarrúnar”, released by Cyclic Law in 2020, the same year as the split “The Path Of The Shaman” with Emme Ya on Black Mara. “Angrboda” followed on Zazen Sounds in 2021 and “H” on Black Mara in 2022.
“Vardlokkur”, the release reviewed here, was issued by Cyclic Law on 1 April 2022 in an edition of 300 copies in an A5 matt laminated sleeve, and holds the three tracks “Grima Umheimsins”, “Ìsarnawidauz Swarté Skaduz” and “Galdra”. The full-length it announced, “Ginnungagaldr”, arrived on Cyclic Law in 2024, followed by “Utisetur I” on Zazen Sounds and Cyclic Law in 2026.
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