Quick link : Preorder now the new Askrinn album
The year 2014 has been an incredibly busy one for Askrinn, focused on the preparation of the new album, Hjørleifsljóð. Finally, after an intensive recording and mixing period, time has come for me to share with you the release date chosen for this disc.
Moreover, along with this major news for Askrinn, I have decided to open the preorders for the CD version, allowing you to reserve one of the limited first edition copies.
First step : October 1st, 2014
Indeed, as of today, you are now able to preorder your own copy of this new pagan black metal album, through the following page :
http://www.askrinn.com/preorder/
By preordering this release, you will make sure not to miss the first CD edition of Hjørleifsljóð, which is limited to 60 copies worldwide. It will also be shipped to you slightly in advance, to make sure you get it before most other people.
Next step : November 14th, 2014
I am also proud to announce that the actual release will happen on November 14th, 2014.
Starting from that point, it will be available as both a physical CD and as a free download, in order to allow everyone to access this music, whether or not you have the means to support the black metal underground.
While waiting for this milestone in the story of Askrinn, I will make sure to share with you more fresh sound excerpts as well as a few personal thoughts on the album.
The Concept
This new black metal opus is an adaptation of four chapters of an Icelandic saga written in the 14th century, called The Saga of Half or Hálfssaga.
The lyrics are in Old Norse, the language in which the original text was written, in order to stick as much as possible to the primeval meaning of the tale.
Indeed, although the plot is mostly bringing to the fore lifestyle elements from that time, the story does contain a lot of magical/fantastic references as well as several hints of the relationship Viking people had with their environment.
The album also includes a fifth track, which is a cover of a song initially composed by Bornholm, a Hungarian black metal band.
CD Tracklist
1. Bjarmalandsfør Hjørleifs konungs - 6:01
2. Hjørleifr mægðist við Hreiðar konung - 7:10
3. Frá spám Marmennils - 7:59
4. Frá konungum, Hjørleifi ok Hreiðari - 5:46
5. Hymn To The Forgotten Pagan Gods (Bornholm cover) - 7:02