Hulkoff (Guitarist/Vocalist Par Hulkoff being the main member, hence the name) is already a well known charting force in his native Sweden, achieving Number One status with his second album “Pansarfolk” last year. Obviously, he’s wasted no time in following hot on its Viking boot-heels with “Ragnarok”. Following straight on musically from its predecessor, it’s available as a double-disc/download in both English and his native tongue for the Swedishly challenged of us. As is generally the case in these rare instances, there is a touch more conviction, bite and venom to the Swedish version within the vocals, but musically it sounds identical so being English I thought it best I concentrate on the English version for a more immersive experience.
So, as I said, this is very similar in style to its predecessor, so if you are already a fan, relaunch your longboat and sail in happily. For the uninitiated…well, it’s all a bit tricky to describe really. I’ve heard Hulkoff described as “Metal for the Viking Hearted”, so that’s a good place to start. Imagine a large Industrial Metal musical pot bubbling away over an open fire – peering inside a few things keep rising to the surface – it’s murky and hard to make out, but look there – that’s a bit of Amon Amarth, a slice of Ereb Altor and a sprinkle of Ensiferum. But that’s just the base stock, there’s a definite aroma of Sabaton and…a whiff of Lordi. Using a horn spoon, you can now have a bit of a taste, and there’s definitely some notes of Korpiklaani, Finntroll…a faint hint of Udo and even…Alestorm. It’s a heady, potent concoction indeed…and rather predictably I now feel the need to fix myself a snack…
Hulkoff stride easily between Industrial and Viking Metal, throwing in chunks of Scandinavian Power Metal when the mood takes. It’s epic, it’s grandiose and it’s bombastic. Vocally, it’s a gravel-throated assault, that carries the melodies just enough to drive a chorus into memorability. Many of the tracks are a pounding mid-pace, but Hulkoff can up the tempo when needed, maintaining that slightly Industrial open chord guitar style throughout, that follows the bass and kick drums tightly. It’s an album that flows, and follows its own Viking path, both musically and lyrically. I listed so many comparisons earlier because there really are all sorts of Metal styles tucked away on this album, which should make it appealing to many Metal fans without limiting itself to one genre in particular. There’s plenty of tracks to check out online so don’t take my word for it. It might be a case of try before you buy, but definitely Try!
(7/10 Andy Barker)
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