In the frozen landscapes of Norway, Hedmark, the one-man melodic post-black metal project, throws a chilling and immersive experience with the track “Deer Cross The River.” This song’s a piece of the upcoming self-titled debut album, and it’s a formidable blast of atmospheric intensity that proves true stories often make for the most powerful music.
The brainchild of musician Gunnar Kjellsby, Hedmark piles a complex mixture on this track. We’re talking a sophisticated blend of atmospheric black metal, the expansive soundscapes of post-rock, and those hazy textures of shoegaze. What you get is a sound that’s as cold and beautiful as a Norwegian winter, yet layered with surprising depth that pulls you right in. Kjellsby handles the music himself, making a foundation that sounds both punishing and melodic. But here’s the thing – the vocal work is what elevates this track to another level entirely.
The inclusion of vocalists Melina Oz and Embla Maria O’Cadiz Gustad alongside Kjellsby’s own voice is absolute genius. These voices move right through all that heavy instrumentation like wind in a vent. You’ve got these otherworldly harmonies floating over, giving this wild contrast that’ll make the hair on your neck stand up. It’s like they’ve revived some ancient choir that’s been waiting centuries to rock out – and it totally nails the whole “ten songs of winters past” vibe they’re going for in Hedmark county. “All the stories are true.” This isn’t some made-up fantasy stuff. Nope. We’re talking real events, real places from the band’s home turf. And you can feel it.
Hedmark’s debut album arrives on October 9th, and if “Deer Cross The River” is any sign, it will be mandatory listening for anyone who digs heavy music that actually has a real story to say.
Hedmark Socials: Bandcamp