Valkyrian Music

Steignyr
The Legacy of Wyrd
Releases 23rd July 2021
Celtic Death Metal/Folk Metal
Art Gates Records

Hailing from Spain come Steignyr, a Celtic Death Metal warband, formed by vocalist and lead guitar Jon Thorgrimr Fjonir. With a handful of releases to their name already, and tours that have happened as far away as China, Steignyr have renewed their lineup and are set to return with The Legacy Of Wyrd, which already promises to be an interesting album.

The album opens with Prologue, a series of sounds setting the mood, before a solemn and mournful narration by Sarah Owen becomes the main focus of the track, accompanied by the sound of a quill scratching ink on parchment, and the sombre sound of ravens weaved within the haunting medleys. Mendo has a more up-beat sound, combining beauty and the beast vocals, with driving guitar medleys and jig-worthy folk instrumentation.

The Coming Of Aland sounds almost power metalesque in its delivery, presenting a grandiose, inspiring sound that is reinforced with darker lyrics and the bestial vocals of Fjonir. The orchestrated sections, with the folk elements, really shine through on this track. The dialogue between Kit Harington and Peter Dinklage with ethereal choir voices in the background are what really give this track its atmosphere. The title track, The Legacy of Wyrd, invokes a mystical sounding, focusing on the enchanting vocal work of Kathonya, as it dances with gentle yet staunch folk melodies and discreetly powerful orchestration. The track is essentially the eye of the storm within the album.

The Rise Of Death is a vigorous track, making use of Celtic-influenced passages, conjuring an urgency that can be heard through the vocal lines, whilst Edevane has the sounds of a slowed down sea shanty. Travellers comes across as quite chaotic sounding, as though there’s too much happening at once. Immortal Family begins with the alluring notes born of Celtic inspiration before bursting into a majestic onslaught of Fjonir’s guitars, with the staunch dual vocal workings that have been prominent throughout the album.

Rhythm of Time is a ravishing assault on the listener, mixing together beguiling vocals, and relentless guitar passages. The dual vocals work especially well on this track, like an enthralling chant. The Well Of Ice channels an inner primal energy throughout each note, resonating with the rhythm work of drummer Zelther. The Giant Pillar Of Rock really demonstrates a melodic aspect to Fjonir’s guitar playing, highlighting his skills especially well. The soaring folk elements help create a fascinating, dynamic sound on this track, complementing the vocals, and the bass work of Kilau, fully.

The forlorn soundings echo loudly throughout Everything Silent, seeping into every aspect of the song. Though it is a fast-paced and energetic track, the sorrow can be heard especially within the instrumentation, giving it a very powerful emotional feel. Coming towards the end of the album is Aftermath, another track that shows displays the more melodic side of Fjonir’s guitar playing, creating memorable passages throughout. The other instrumentation also comes across as robust, filling parts of different parts with fresh,and almost hypnotic sounds.

The Legacy of Wyrd finishes with Epilogue, a closing track similar to that of the opening one. It is filled with emotive sounds and the steely voice of Sir Ian McKellen, as he monologues about the end of the story throughout the album. His words are especially powerful, speaking of waiting in another life, as though his character is full of regret and mourning. Epilogue is truly the best way for the album to finish.

The guest appearances by the likes of Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, and Sir Ian McKellen help add to the narrative of the story, and though the album could have worked without those appearances, they are a welcome sound. The Legacy of Wyrd is a noble offering of folk metal, though it does feel lacklustre in some parts but it still has the potential to be on the best folk metal albums to be released this year.

8/10

Nico Solheim-Davidson

Steignyr online:

https://www.facebook.com/Steignyr
https://www.instagram.com/steignyr/
https://twitter.com/steignyr

This entry was posted on 7th June 2021 at 1:59 pm and is filed under Review with tags Celtic death metal, Folk Metal, Steignyr, The Legacy of Wyrd. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.