Bloodshed Walhalla – ‘Glory to the Sacred Land’ (2023)
Rating: 8.5/10
Release: 10 August 2023
Label: Earth and Sky Productions
The one-man band from Matera Bloodshed Valhalla of the multi-instrumentalist Drakhen is back with the sixth full-length “Glory to the Sacred Land”, released two years after the previous “Second Chapter”. Even in this full-length the sound is epic and combative and alternates various vocal styles. The production of this album is done well, making it worthy of the most famous bands of the viking genre, although the album was in a room transformed into a studio in the fire station where Drakhen works.
The cover is composed of four Drakkar just sailed, one of which is hit by a beam of sunlight coming out of the clouds that cover the sky, in a rough sea with two crows flying over one of the ships. The artwork is all in shades of gray and dark blue except for the album’s logo and title, and that’s a good choice for the entire cover.
Musically speaking the full-length features six tracks, two of which sung for the first time in Italian. Among the various songs stands out “A Star for My Victory” lasting 17:12 minutes. At first you hear the typical sounds of swords in battle, while throughout the song you can hear a celebration of victory and epic and very combative instrumental interludes. In this full-length there are also two songs in Italian, a novelty for the band. These two songs are called “Non sei tu” (a 12:22 minute song) and “Il lago” (a 12:13 minute song) in which you can listen to the typical combative sound that distinguishes the band, the crazy instrumental and the scary vocal parts. Special mention for the last track, “Rise and Fight Glory and Victory”, in which we can hear an excellent instrumental start, a part whispered in the middle and repetitions of the chorus. This new full-lenght, so epic and combative, is a confirmation both for fans of Bloodshed Valhalla and for those who are fans of the viking genre.
In conclusion, this full-length is the confirmation that Drakhen with Bloodshed Valhalla has taken the legacy of Quorthon and is continuing what was tragically interrupted in 2004 with the death of the Swedish singer, making Drakhen a faithful disciple of Quorthon. “Glory To The Sacred Land” is also the confirmation of Bloodshed Valhalla as a good viking metal band with good music composing capacity and a solid vocal capacity, even if Drakhen’s singing voice isn’t so understandable with only one listening.
Tracklist
Fly My Raven
Glory To The Sacred Land
A Star For My Victory
Non Sei Tu
Il Lago
Rise And Fight Glory And Victor