Head Not Found N'way
2001
Soknardalr
About This Album
In an almost singular case study within the annals of Scandinavian black metal, where groups require several years and albums in which to experiment, develop, and mature their sound, Sóknardalr saw Windir springing fully formed like Athena from the head of Zeus (wrong mythology, but hey, the metaphor fits!), or at least the head of enigmatic visionary, Valfar. Especially since the artist formerly known as Terje Bakken wasn't operating under the forgiving aegis of rudimentary, necro-black metal of the Venom variety; but rather coming up with a daring amalgam of metal, progressive rock, classical, and Norwegian folk music, requiring no small amount of compositional sophistication to be pulled off. Recorded in Oslo, in a mere four days, to boot, this album's surprisingly well-produced seven tracks fuse layers upon layers of keyboards and guitars on an almost unprecedented scale (mid-period Bathory being the one obvious inspirational touchstone), culminating in sweeping, mini-symphonies like "Det Som Var Haukareid" and the especially savage "Mørket Sin Fyrste," as well as awe-inspiring epics like "Sognariket Si Herskarinne" and "Likbør," whose recurring (some might say repetitive) synthesizer melodies would become signature Windir hallmarks.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,4 and 5)

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