16

Arts & Culture

OVER THE EDGE

October 24 - November 7, 2007

Sheol by Naglfar Example
of Finest Norse Metal

ANDREW OATES

STarr WRITER

The album “Sheol” by Naglfar is a power-packed com-
bination of the finest Norse metal. It brings together black
metal and death metal in the greatest tradition of Nagl-
far’s previous creations.

For those unknowing, Naglfar is a Swedish metal band
which has been playing since they burst into the scene in
1992. By “burst into”, I mean kicked in the fucking door
and cut down whoever was standing on the other side.
Nag|far itself is the name of the great ship in Norse myth-
ology that will carry giants to their death — somewhat fit-
ting for a metal band of their calibre. Norse mythology
plays heavily into other aspects of the band, such as the
Norse war-cries of the lead vocalist — Jens Rydén. Other
allusions to fantastic mythological creatures and infernal
tealms contribute to the overall feel of the music — which
is as if they’re going to these places, and fighting/wor-
shipping these creatures, and they’re bringing you along
for the ride.

The album titled “Sheol” was released in 2003, and was
hailed as one of the top ranked during that year. The name
itself refers to the Hebrew name for Hell, which gives
you an idea as to the content of the album — for death/
black metal, hell means good music. From the perspec-
tive of a metal-head (such as myself), the album does not
disappoint.

The songs feature lyrics mostly concentrating on the
infernal, and the darker aspects of humanity, from ven-

geance and bloodlust to the longing for sweet oblivion.
All of these paint a darkened picture, which makes the
energy they pump into each and every song even more
interesting. These are the kind of songs that would have
an audience moshing and moving from the very start to
bitter end.

Their first track, entitled “Vengeance”, is a no-holds
barred tribute to the kinds of things civilized society
doesn’t want you to think about. Images and ideas of
bloodlust and hell-borne souls are flooded through their
rapid playing and screamed vocals. This is interspersed
with moments of calm to reflect, which lead up to the
eventual release of emotions and sound.

Another song of note is “Unleash Hell”, the 7th track
on Sheol. It is more instrumental, with a faster rhythm,
and a quite amazing and awe-inspiring solo. But, like all

* good metal songs, they give equal time to both vocals and

guitar, complete with technical bridges and overarching
themes. “Unleash Hell” is probably my favourite song
of the entire album, just for its mix of intense vocals and
technical instrumentation.

The general feel of the band reminds me greatly of other
bands who deal heavily in mythology, such as Einherjer,
or the more local (Canadian that is) Verbal Deception.

When all is said and done, I would highly recommend
Naglfars “Sheol” to any and all metal-lovers out there. It
has definitely won its place in my music collection, and
hopefully it can do the same for you.

Devil Horns.

Paul Brandt is
Coming to Town

Mircu GRANT

Puoto Epiror

.On November 27, 2007 Paul
Brandt and Jason Blaine will be

rocking out the CN Center for

Wolf Fest 4, 97.3 FM The Wolf’s
annual country/southern rock
concert. This year Jason Blaine
will open for Canadian Country
Music Legend Paul Brandt who
is promoting his new CD Risk,
featuring top hits such as “Didn’t
Even See The Dust” and “Conie
On & Get Some”. Meanwhile,

Jason Blaine will be promoting
his newest single which recently
hit #1 on the CMT charts, “Rock
in My Boot”. The concerts in dif-

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Our students deserve better. Their futures depend on It. 99

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BETTER FUNDING.
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Tell Premier Campbell to invest in BC’s future.

“<

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ferent cities before and after these
two arrive are sold out, with the
floor seats already gone in Prince
George for what promises to be
an amazing night of music. You
can be sure that yours truly will
be covering the event again!

While I have not yet seen Jason
Blaine live; I have seen Paul
Brandt twice, including working
security for him once. Both shows
were sold out and both proved to
be an amazing night.

Last Year Wolf FM’s Wolf Fest
3 featured The Poverty Plainsmen
and David Lee Murphy, at which
the Poverty Plainsmen stole the
show.

IMAGE COURTESY OF
GOOGLE IMAGES
Jason Blane _ will
open for Paul Brandt
on November 27 at
the CN Center.

: Gara Pruesse, Ph. D.

College