Vintersorg - Vattenkrafternas spel

Angry Metal Guy 70

Many moons ago, I stumbled upon the 2001 Borknagar release, Empiricism, having never heard the band before. While that opened the floodgates that ultimately resulted in my absolute admiration of that band, it was also the album that introduced me to lead vocalist Vintersorg. While many would argue that Borknagar has better albums and better lead vocal contributions from artists like Garm and I.C.S. Vortex. Regardless of preferences and the flavor you seek, Vintersorg’s voice stung me and forced me to explore the man’s solo career. Similar in approach to Borknagar, Vintersorg injects far more of the Viking folkiness than Borky. While both are ultimately progressive, Vintersorg is not afraid to tinker with some strange influences and bizarre keyboard atmospheres. At one point, a song grooves without much deviation, and the next, you haven’t a fucking clue what’s going on. Like any band, not all of it works, but Vintersorg is a solid outfit that, if you’re into the style, never lets you down.

This year brings Vintersorg’s eleventh release since debuting in 1998. Which is fucking wild, making them one of the most prolific of the style. Yet, this is the longest we’ve waited for a new release in the band’s entire existence. After releasing the sequel to their debut record in 2017, things have been quiet on the Vintersorg front. But now they are back with Vattenkrafternas spel sets out to take that same infusion of the Vintersorg of old with the Vintersorg of new that we heard from Till fjälls del II. Which I can’t complain about, considering I love it when the band knocks out some of those nasty black metal licks. Not that they have abandoned those influences in the last decade or so, but it’s a touch more prevalent on Vattenkrafternas spel. But, how far will they go, and how well will it work?

Vattenkrafternas Spel by Vintersorg

“Efter dis kommer dimma” gets the album going right away, delivering that classic Vintersorg sound I love. Ripping through a simple black metal riff, encased in Vintersorg’s traditional oooo’s and aaaah’s, it charges ahead waiting for the harsh vocals to body slam it. They do for a bit before the gorgeous, clean vocals take over. Toss in some circusy key work and the introduction of some female vocals in the powerful chorus, and we have a fitting opener to this new record. “Malströmsbrus” is another highlight, utilizing a similar pace and vocal performance but with far more of the band’s signature folkiness. Particularly when it comes to Vintersorg’s unique vocal diversity that I can only describe as Viking “yodeling”. Like the opener, “Malströmsbrus” features a memorable chorus that alternates between harsh and clean vocals, but it takes a dark turn in the back half. While the drums and guitars fight to keep the sinister passage alive to the end, they finally succumb to the beauty of the chorus to conclude the track.

While the keys have a presence in these two tracks, they dominate “Ur älv och å” and the closer, “Ödsliga salar.” Orchestral keys introduce the track before the drums and guitars join in the fun. After folking things up, the band transitions into a tasty riff with big fucking vocals that continue to rise until the chorus soars. But like “Malströmsbrus,” dark clouds form as the song drags the listener through fever dreams before soaring to the clouds and “yodeling” the hell out of your soul. But the closer takes it all to its limits. The orchestral parts are almost too big at times, creating an odd, overpowering effect on the rest of the instrumentation. But it still works, unlike the song’s predecessor, “Skyrök,” which goes on far too long, with orchestration that is almost comical at times. Yet, this song still tosses in everything but the kitchen sink, overlaying clean vocals with harsh and guttural barks, supporting Viking chants, and, for better or worse, a guitar/keyboard solo duel.

Like “Skyrök,” “Från djupet dunstar tiden” is another that tries too hard. Instead of a bunch of keys and orchestration that becomes overwhelming, it’s the interpretation of the sleek piano piece by the drums and guitars that makes things weird. Toss in some circusy keys and Vintersorg’s odd vocal approach, and the song’s back half loses my interest. But these issues don’t cripple the album, and the overall flow is pleasing. And, unlike some of the complaints on this site about more recent Vintersorg records, you will not see a DR4 for Vattenkrafternas spel. While Hammerheart Records refuses to send a promo with a higher bit rate, at least the DR7 helps a bit. Specifically, when it comes to the rumbling bass in the closer. In the end, Vattenkrafternas spel is another solid outing from the band, and I’m glad to see them back after eight long years.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 192 kb/s mp3
Label: Hammerheart Records
Websites: vintersorg.bandcamp.com¹ | facebook.com/vintersorganic
Releases Worldwide: September 26th, 2025

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