Ελληνικά
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Norway
Label: Soulseller Records
Release: February 2021
The story of Valdaudr begins in – now distant – 2000, when Daniel Olaisen (Død) created Cobolt 60, with whom he released two full-length records. Alongside him was Flemming Gluch (Mr Hustler), who for personal reasons left in 2018, even though Olaisen had already written tracks for their upcoming third album. In order not to be lost, they jointly decided to release these tracks under a new name, thus creating Valdaudr with Osvald Egeland this time on vocals. So, “Drapsdalen” came into existence. The record is an ode to the Norwegian Black Metal of the 90s – evident also from the exclusively Norwegian lyrics, while the elements of Swedish and Celtic folk music are also strong. In a very free-thinking way, I would say that Valdaudr have created their own style by gluing together pieces from a wider puzzle, drawing influences from bands like Darkthrone, Primordial and Bathory. Here and there, of course, there are some outbursts reminiscent of Thrash influences, but I don’t know if what I have in mind is true. “Drapsdalen” has a smooth flow and at points a groove that can stick in your head, so at least in terms of listeners’ indulgence it has achieved its purpose. It certainly appeals to an audience with more specialized tastes, without however excluding everyone else. I think it is indeed a natural evolution of Cobolt 60 and hopefully new material will be released soon.
