Band:	Windir
Album:	Likferd
Style:	Viking black metal
Release date:	March 27, 2003
A review by:	Undercraft

01. Resurrection Of The Wild
02. Martyrium
03. Despot
04. Blodssvik
05. Fagning
06. On The Mountain Of Goats
07. Dauden
08. Ætti Mørkna

Many people were shocked to hear about the tragic death of Bathroy frontman and creator, Quorthon, but as much influential he might be to the Metal scene, another great musician passed away at the end of this year, I'm talking about Windir's vocalist, founder and main composer, Terje Bakken a.k.a. Valfar.

Valfar left behind him a great legacy called Windir, a Black Metal band that I suppose most of you are aware of. Personally I don't like to define Windir as a Black Metal band, but as a Viking Metal band, because the Folk Influences are very present. The music, and the Nordic themes are also there.
The album is not your average Black Metal album, first, count with a superb production, and a wonderful illustration graces the cover art.

The album starts with the epic "Resurrection Of The Wild". A fantastic piece where each part falls just in piece with the next one. The use of clean choruses gives the song a sensational feeling of one being in some Norwegian landscape. Next is "Martyrium", my favorite song in the album, the Folk melodies in this song intertwine perfectly with the choruses and the guitar leads, creating one of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had with a Black Metal album.

Keyboards play a mayor role in the music, giving always the perfect dose of atmosphere necessary to create the desired effect. The shrieks of Valfar are perfect, because they're not too high, and although it seems impossible for a Black Metal singer to do, he sings following each melody of the album.

Almost each song is an anthem filled with blast beats countered by excellent Folk parts and catchy melodies, and those clean choruses, they're just great! At the end of "Blodssvik" you'll find some cool choirs too.

Sadly, Windir broke up after Valfar's passing, and they're playing their last gig on Sept. 3 2004, the day Valfar would have turned 26. Also that day, a last Windir album will be out, a double tribute/best of album. Windir is gone, Valfar is gone, what a great lost for the Metal community! At least we have this great album to remind us that once there was a great band called Windir.