Helheim "Nidr ok Nordr liggr Helvegr"

Before becoming one of Norway’s most enduring Viking black metal acts, Helheim laid the groundwork with this raw and ambitious 1994 demo. Released during the genre’s formative years, Niðr ok Norðr liggr Helheim is more than just another second-wave black metal relic. It’s a glimpse into a band already pushing beyond genre boundaries. Expect furious tremolo riffs, harsh vocals, and icy production, but also early signs of Helheim’s epic vision, with acoustic passages, stirring keys, and even horn arrangements adding grandeur and Norse atmosphere. Tracks like “Jotne vandring” hint at the neofolk and cinematic leanings that would later define their sound. This isn’t a polished release as it’s a raw, formative document of a band with bold ideas and a clear direction. For fans of Norwegian black metal history and the Viking spirit, this is an essential listen that shows where Helheim’s long journey began. 180g white vinyl, limited to 400 copies.