Hin helga kvöl

So, I stumbled on Hin helga kvöl by Sólstafir because I saw this random TikTok raving about “Icelandic cowboy metal.” I had no idea what that meant, but curiosity got the best of me, and here I am trying to process what I just listened to.

First off, the language thing is wild. They sing in Icelandic (except one song from a previous album), and I’ll admit, I didn’t understand a single word. But somehow, that made it more intriguing? The whole album sounds intense and layered, like there's a story I can’t quite follow but still feel.

The first track, “Hun Andar,” caught me off guard with these indie-sounding guitars over surprisingly upbeat drums. Then the title track, “Hin Helga Kvöl,” hit harder, with this raw metal vibe that feels both nostalgic and kinda haunting. It’s like they're taking me somewhere deep, and it’s loud, but it works. If I’m honest, I don’t know what to call this genre—it’s definitely heavy but weirdly emotional?

The biggest surprise might be “Blakkrakki.” The TikTok I saw had clips from the video, where they’re just rocking out on a moving truck bed across the Icelandic countryside. It’s got this playful feel, which I didn't expect at all from a band with an otherwise serious vibe. Apparently, “blakkrakki” means “black dog.” I don’t know why, but it works, and it’s also kind of catchy.

A couple of tracks toward the end, “Gryla” and “Kuml,” feel darker and pretty emotional, which seems like a theme for them. It’s the kind of music that makes you feel things, even if you’re not totally sure what.

So, do I like it? Honestly, I’m still deciding. There’s something cool about it, and it’s definitely different from anything I’ve heard before. If nothing else, it’s stuck with me in a way I didn’t expect, so maybe that’s worth a thumbs up?

SÓLSTAFIR - HIN HELGA KVÖL

RATING - ?

FAVORITE TRACK - ?

GENRE - Icelandic Heavy Metal