Although Haavard may be a new name to us, its mastermind and legacy will certainly be familiar through his other ventures. You see, Håvard Jørgensen, who is the main man for Haavard, was a key member of Ulver until 2001 and was also a member of Satyricon back in the early 90s. Furthermore, he has contributed guitar work for Myrkur and has more recently founded Norwegian black metal outfit Dold Vorde Ensd Navn. However, it is his legacy with Ulver that is most relevant here and in many ways, ‘Haarvard’ can be seen as a direct continuation of Ulver’s critically acclaimed ‘Kveldssanger’ album. Anyone familiar with that album will know exactly what to expect here as the musical style is very similar, although ‘Haavard’ is largely instrumental.
‘Haavard’ is an acoustic Nordic folk opus, and although it comprises thirteen tracks, it is better thought of as one piece of music. The ambience fluctuates a little during the journey, but predominantly it is serene and melancholic, atmospheric and introspective yet thought provoking. There are moments of jeopardy such as during ‘Emmanuelle’ and ‘Eastwood’, and it is here that the links to black metal can be heard, although a long way away in the distance!
The acoustic guitar is obviously central to the album, but there are also numerous guest musicians and as the album progresses we are introduced to the violin, viola, cello, keyboard, mellotron, flute and accordion bringing different dimensions and variations on the dark Nordic folk theme. Occasional subdued vocals also give an edge to the music as well. Although the album is gentle and tranquil at face value, on closer inspection there is a sinister undercurrent buried within.
This is an obvious recommendation to fans of Nordic Folk, and of ‘Kveldssanger’ era Ulver, but this doesn’t do the album justice as I suspect a good number of extreme metal fans will also appreciate what is on offer here.
(7.5/10 Andy Pountney)
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