Thrymr – Saga Of The North

Thrymr is most widely known, in Black Metal circles as least, as one of the most prominent drummers in the now legendary band Emperor, having performed on two of their more famous albums as well as live for a spell. What is less known, for me at least, was the fact that he had ambitions of a solo career, albeit one that is musically very distinct from what he has previously delved into – Cue Saga Of The North, an eight tracks long (mostly) instrumental opus through the live, death, rebirth and future of an unspecified village, with the story told primarily through atmosphere across the nearly thirty-eight minutes the before-mentioned eight tracks last.

It is an ambitious project to say the least, albeit one in very capable hands since I manage to somewhat follow along with what little story can be gleaned through the titles of each track, the choice of instruments to dominate each one (such as drums for the track ”Trusselen”, the Norwegian word for ‘The Threat’ in order to emulate aggression, power and agitation) as well as the subtle, but ever shifting change of mood as the adventure invariably marches on.

As much as it pains me, that is pretty much all that I have to say about the album overall – I strive to be concise, and due to the very efficient nature of the record, this means quite a short scribble this time around. However, I suppose I can sum up and add the fact that this is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a Metal release. I suppose an argument can be made whether we should even have it on the site if that was the only lens with which the album would be judged. It does, however, harken back to Heilungs approach in some aspects (albeit without a vocalist attached, barring a vocalizing choir at some point), and the overall build of each track could conceivably be compared to some of the more nostalgic or even epic ballads of some of the more atmospheric bands. Overall a recommendation from me if you like the ambient, instrumental approach.