Sorgir

''Sorgir'' (''"Sorrows"'' or ''"Griefs"'' in Icelandic) is the fifth full-length album by the Icelandic viking/ folk metal band Skálmöld, released on 12 October 2018 via Napalm Records.

Concept and recording

The album is divided into two parts. The first four tracks are labeled ''Sagnir'' (''Tales'') and each tell a tragic story. Track number five to eight are labeled ''Svipir'' (''Ghosts'') and tell the same stories, but from the perspective of the ghosts who caused the disastrous events. The names of the ''Svipir'' tracks are taken from the names of mythological beings.

''Sorgir'' was made two years after Skálmöld's previous album ''Vögguvísur Yggdrasils''. The band described the creation process as quick and raw. The album was produced by Einar Vilberg and recorded at the studio Hljóðverk in Reykjavík.

Reception

Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen of RÚV wrote that the album stays within its genre conventions but is the band's most varied to date. He highlighted the song "Skotta", which reminded him of "Metallica's best song, 'Disposable Heroes'". ''Metal.de'' complimented the fast solos and rhythm structures, and wrote that the best part was the "melodic offensive" of the last two tracks, "Móri" and "Mara". '' Metal Hammers Dom Lawson wrote: "Whether in full-on longboat assault mode on the marauding, mid-paced ''Lsjósið'' or exploring more expansive dynamics on closing tour-de-force ''Mara'', the power of the message and the sincerity of the messengers carries every stirring ensemble splurge forward to Valhalla with maximum uplift."

Track listing

Personnel

Skálmöld
* Snæbjörn Ragnarsson – bass, vocals
* Jón Geir Jóhannsson – drums, vocals
* Baldur Ragnarsson – guitar, vocals
* Þráinn Árni Baldvinsson – guitar, vocals
* Gunnar Ben – keyboards, oboe
* Björgvin Sigurðsson – vocals, guitar

Guests
* Óttarr Proppé – vocals on track 5
* Ragnheiður Steindórsdóttir – vocals on track 7

References

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2018 albums
Skálmöld albums
Napalm Records albums
Ghosts in popular culture