Formed in 1993 and taking its name from Norse mythology, Einherjer
strives to marry the folklore and spirit of Viking traditions with
harsh metal, and in doing so has become one of the leading forces
in Viking metal, a select group that also includes bands such
Thyrfing,
Moonsorrow, and (once upon a time)
Enslaved and
Mithotyn.
Einherjer doesn't sound directly like any of these bands, though
there are similarities to be found.
Like the aforementioned bands, Einherjer's style is musically
based vaguely in the black metal camp (especially in the vocal
department), while the music is somewhat more traditionally metallic
enhanced with a rollicking sound that is the Viking trademark.
Of the two albums reviewed here (Dragons Of The North and
Odin Owns Ye All),
Dragons is the preferred album, though their
more recent Norwegian Native Art received excellent reviews
as well.
The band (at the time a trio) decided to call it a day in February 2004,
feeling they
had accomplished what they wanted and wishing to pursue other
interests.
A few years later, the trio hooked up with two other guys creating
Battered,
releasing an album in 2006, and in 2008 the same same three guys
decided to resurrect Einherjer,
eventually releasing a comeback album in 2014.
