Review: Helvitnir — Wolves of the Underworld

Introduction

Helvitnir is a new, veteran-founded black metal group. The band consists of the three ex-Ragnarok members Ihizahg, Bjarkan and Hellcommander Vargblod and they are accompanied by perhaps the most famous black metal drummer of them all Hellhammer, of Mayhem fame.

The band saw its birth in 2023 and the veterans dropped their first EP, Helborn the following year in 2024. Now they are finally ready with their first full-length, so let’s dive straight into it!

Wolves of the Underworld

KingGorthaur’s take

Wolves Of The Underworld starts off at a high tempo with a polished but raw sound, Hellcommander‘s vocals are dark and guttural, delivered with a swift punch. Hellhammer delivers his solid barrage behind the drum kit which brings out a lot of aggression, his play style is quite trve to the Norwegian black metal and a true powerhouse which he is known for!

Ihizahg and Bjarkan on the guitars deliver grim and harsh riffs for Hellcommander to weaponize. The sound is very familiar to the Norwegian black metal scene and to those of earlier days as well. The songs have some groovier parts that hook you in, which I love, as seen on the track Black Flame Triad. The album has some segments with clear singing vocals, which adds a nice touch to add some depth to the soundscape.

With resemblance to bands such as Kampfar, Nordjevel and Asagraum, there is a lot to like. For me, this is a very solid release that I’ve spun many times already. I do have to say that there is something missing for me to make this album more memorable and to stand out in the mass of black metal releases. However, Wolves Of The Underworld is still a satisfying listening.

Roberto’s take

From the moment the record starts playing, you just know Helvitnir means business. It’s difficult to explain, but you just know by how it sounds. But explanation or not, just take my word for it, they do mean business.

I’ve been a Ragnarok fan since the first album Nattferd and consider that album to one of the black metal classics, so the fact that this new band consists of 3 former Ragnarok members is a plus for me. As KingG said, the line-up is completed with Hellhammer on drums.

The vocals by Hellcommander are good, and the riffs just keep going, which makes for a nice listening experience, and that continues throughout the album. For me, the album could be are bit more aggressive. Don’t get me wrong, as said, it sounds as if they mean business, but for a large part the drums give off that feeling, the vocals are on the tame side (for me at least).

But overall, it’s a decent album, and I’m sure plenty of folk will enjoy it. For me, this feels like it’s a good stepping stone to more work, and I’m excited about what they will conjure up in the coming years.

Conclusion

So time for the conclusion, who should listen to this or at least give it a try? Well, everybody who loves decent black metal from Norway. Is it the best album ever come out of Norway? No, it’s not. But as said by KingG and Roberto, it’s a good album which many of you will enjoy.

BMZ Rating: 7.5 Good: A solid and enjoyable album overall. It boasts strong songwriting and performance quality, delivering a cohesive and satisfying listen.

Support the band here: https://dusktone.bandcamp.com/album/wolves-of-the-underworld

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