Band:	Einherjer
Album:	Av Oss, For Oss
Style:	Viking folk metal
Release date:	October 27, 2014
A review by:	R'Vannith

01. Fremad
02. Hammer I Kors
03. Nidstong
04. Hedensk Oppstandelse
05. Nord Og Ner
06. Nornene
07. Trelldom
08. Av Oss, For Oss
09. Blodsbånd [limited edition bonus]

As it turns out, Norrøn was merely a stepping stone in Einherjer's return. The Viking beats are back in full form in Av Oss, For Oss.

Resolved in moderate rhythms, the band have set out an admirably crafted track-list in this latest effort that assures a rewarding listen as it returns to Blot levels of consistency. The same three piece line-up continues on to forge the melodically resilient style to the Einherjer name, and reaffirms their position at the forefront of Norwegian Viking metal with album number six. Folk flavour in the instrumentation and presentation is minimal in a record which ultimately strives for memorable melodic metal with a firmly established rhythm section effectively achieving its direct aims.

Gerhard Storesund's drumming creates a focalising centrality around which all else is worked well, some folk touches in the percussion and backing vocal arrangements making their way into a mix determined by strident tones from lead vocalist Frode Glesnes and his guitar work set into a duality and resolute tempo with Aksel Herløe. Nothing obstructs the sequential nature with which the album unfolds and flows, as each tune stands out clearly on its own terms despite the largely effects free approach. No flimsy folk affectations that are prone to gimmick are to be found here; the metal comes first with the band's characteristic additions inbuilt into the song structures. The introductory "Fremad" opens with the wind and waves as befitting any Viking embarkation, proceeding to provide a folk founded bookend to Av Oss, For Oss, divided by six songs prior to the concluding and comparatively monumental ten minute title track.

Static pacing and repetition seeps some strength from the song writing overall, particularly in cuts such as "Nornene," as it serves as a rather unanimated predecessor to the likes of "Trelldom" or as it follows the reverberating pound set about by the singable "Nord Og Ner" (if you can, unlike I, actually pronounce the memorable title line without butchering it, that is). "Up-tempo" is something the band clearly don't see as a necessity, with their latest effort's quickest segments in "Nidstong" preferring an "adequately approaching" speed to "fast approaching." "Adequate" would be their watchword in terms of tempo.

This fixation bears no limitations upon melody, however, as each of the tunes bring their own memorable distinction to the record on the back of some quality, if somewhat repetitious, riffing. The qualities of such are brought out most efficiently by the album's production, showcasing the instrumentation and vocalisation on equal footing, with ample attention given to the infrequent atmospheric segments, additional vocals when used and the particular presence of distinguishing and folk characterising percussion.

Ultimately it's rhythm that defines the approach and strength of Av Oss, For Oss, with which the name Einherjer is meaningfully rejuvenated in a resolved studio effort.