HROTHGAR - Tales of Valhöll
Release Date: July 7th, 2026
Self- Released
Hrothgar is a French Viking/melodic death metal that formed in 2017. Come July 7th, 2026 they are set to release their 2nd album, "Tales of Valhöll" following their initial release, "Rise of Ragnarok" in 2023. As with other bands within the genre themes of Nordic mythology and Viking history are present. The press release states: "with this release, HROTHGAR asserts its power: a visceral sound driven by raw (ness) and an atmosphere worthy of the greatest sagas."
"Jörmungandr" casts the album forth into the waters, headed into eventual battle all in the name of glory. A powerful opening moves into excited mid-paced war-cries. Relying on well-defined ideas, they cultivate an ear-grabbing tribute to the gods of old. Perhaps stylistically borrowing some from the more well known bands of the genre in the process. They are still their own entity though and comparisons drawn are meant to loosely frame the sound as opposed to clearly defining it. Next, "Face to Face" carries the torch further toward its final violent destination. Similar to the first track, they spend time focusing on a catchy song that imprints their legacy thoroughly into your head. There is no room for needless filler because all the parts flow together well. "Fight You Like A Beast" slows things down some. Choosing to enthrall the listener with a momentary reprieve from the attack. Inspiring all to take up their arms after rest and providing a renewed thirst to vanquish their enemies. The fourth song, "Hræsvelgr" starts like a rebirth for the men. Rising to soon fulfill their quest, they are refreshed with a thirst to seek glory. Combining both aggression and a reserved tone in parts, they are inspired to conquer all with a varied approach. "Blazing Shores" has Hrothgar landing at the point of violent infliction for their foes. Making a conscious plan to invade the land that will soon be theirs, they construct a hymn to honor the fallen that will provide them assistance from the beyond. A return to slower paced feel on, "Giant" offers the listener an ability to fully immerse themselves in the song. Again, a focus on the memorable qualities of their music make for a track that easily stays with you. "Ulfhednar" is a pummeling adventure straight into a savage bloodbath. Fighting for glory, their enemies are conquered and a place is earned in the halls of Valhalla. Continuing with another traditional melodic death metal feel, "The Voyager" embraces an encompassing storm. The change from the verse to chorus allows for a engaging encounter with a strikingly rich emotional response. This song is a favorite of mine on the album. Dark and heavy rhythms begin "Fenrir's Fate". Like a raging river carrying warriors into battle, the song embodies the wrath of the water as it serves its purpose as a vehicle for destruction. A vengeful energy is encapsulated within the confines of the music. Forcing a victorious assault on the soon-to-be barren landscapes. Finally, "The Kraken" is the final song on the perilous journey that Hrothgar laid out. Triumphant in their pursuits they scourged their foes to submission. Being the longest song on the album, the music builds nicely from subdued sounds into catchy death metal. An honest soundtrack for Viking metal fans and those who enjoy accessible, yet brutal metal.
hrothgarmetalband.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/HrothgarMetalBand
Release Date: July 7th, 2026
Self- Released
Hrothgar is a French Viking/melodic death metal that formed in 2017. Come July 7th, 2026 they are set to release their 2nd album, "Tales of Valhöll" following their initial release, "Rise of Ragnarok" in 2023. As with other bands within the genre themes of Nordic mythology and Viking history are present. The press release states: "with this release, HROTHGAR asserts its power: a visceral sound driven by raw (ness) and an atmosphere worthy of the greatest sagas."
"Jörmungandr" casts the album forth into the waters, headed into eventual battle all in the name of glory. A powerful opening moves into excited mid-paced war-cries. Relying on well-defined ideas, they cultivate an ear-grabbing tribute to the gods of old. Perhaps stylistically borrowing some from the more well known bands of the genre in the process. They are still their own entity though and comparisons drawn are meant to loosely frame the sound as opposed to clearly defining it. Next, "Face to Face" carries the torch further toward its final violent destination. Similar to the first track, they spend time focusing on a catchy song that imprints their legacy thoroughly into your head. There is no room for needless filler because all the parts flow together well. "Fight You Like A Beast" slows things down some. Choosing to enthrall the listener with a momentary reprieve from the attack. Inspiring all to take up their arms after rest and providing a renewed thirst to vanquish their enemies. The fourth song, "Hræsvelgr" starts like a rebirth for the men. Rising to soon fulfill their quest, they are refreshed with a thirst to seek glory. Combining both aggression and a reserved tone in parts, they are inspired to conquer all with a varied approach. "Blazing Shores" has Hrothgar landing at the point of violent infliction for their foes. Making a conscious plan to invade the land that will soon be theirs, they construct a hymn to honor the fallen that will provide them assistance from the beyond. A return to slower paced feel on, "Giant" offers the listener an ability to fully immerse themselves in the song. Again, a focus on the memorable qualities of their music make for a track that easily stays with you. "Ulfhednar" is a pummeling adventure straight into a savage bloodbath. Fighting for glory, their enemies are conquered and a place is earned in the halls of Valhalla. Continuing with another traditional melodic death metal feel, "The Voyager" embraces an encompassing storm. The change from the verse to chorus allows for a engaging encounter with a strikingly rich emotional response. This song is a favorite of mine on the album. Dark and heavy rhythms begin "Fenrir's Fate". Like a raging river carrying warriors into battle, the song embodies the wrath of the water as it serves its purpose as a vehicle for destruction. A vengeful energy is encapsulated within the confines of the music. Forcing a victorious assault on the soon-to-be barren landscapes. Finally, "The Kraken" is the final song on the perilous journey that Hrothgar laid out. Triumphant in their pursuits they scourged their foes to submission. Being the longest song on the album, the music builds nicely from subdued sounds into catchy death metal. An honest soundtrack for Viking metal fans and those who enjoy accessible, yet brutal metal.
hrothgarmetalband.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/HrothgarMetalBand