Häxkapell‘s latest album, Om jordens blod och urgravens grepp (‘Of earth’s blood and the grave’s grasp’), emerges as a profound exploration of atmospheric and progressive black metal interwoven with folk influences. Released via Nordvis Produktion on January 17, 2025, this album is a testament to Häxkapell‘s ability to transcend genres and delve into the philosophical and mystical aspects of existence.
From the remote reaches of Haparanda, Sweden, Häxkapell channels the rhythms of nature and the cycles of life and death. The album features traditional instruments like the violin, viola, willow flute, and hand drum, which infuse the music with primal, ancient energy. Oraklet, the creative force behind Häxkapell, crafts lyrics through subconscious writing, connecting listeners to otherworldly realms. His comment on the album encapsulates its essence: “Death is the ultimate gift, the liberator from life’s burden, where the grave’s cold grip transforms us into the soil’s blackness and rebirths us in existence’s eternal cycle.”
The album begins with “Satans rötter” (‘Satan’s roots’), where Viking-style chants and folk instrumentation converge with black metal’s raw ferocity. The tremolo picking and blast beats, combined with high-pitched screams, bring a raw edge that contrasts with melodic guitar solos and atmospheric elements. Tracks like “Metamorfos” (‘Metamorphosis’) and “Urgravens grepp är hårt och kallt” (‘The grip of the grave is hard and cold’) further explore this dynamic interplay, showcasing Häxkapell’s ability to balance aggression and introspection.
The album’s production, handled by Oraklet and mastered by Tore Stjerna at Necromorbus Studio, ensures that every instrument resonates with power. Folk and classical elements, such as the clean playing and whispers in “Hem” (‘Home’), add a progressive edge, while the spoken word passages in “Vindar från förr” (‘Winds from the past’) evoke a haunting, atmospheric depth.
“Den sanna modern talar” (‘The true mother speaks’) stands out as a testament to Häxkapell’s creative vision. This track encapsulates the album’s themes of balance, chaos, and enlightenment, shining through the shadowy archetypes.
The lyrics, written in Swedish, delve into liminal existence, presenting death as both an end and a rebirth. The music evolves imperceptibly, reflecting the earth’s slow yet ever-changing nature. Oraklet’s use of subconscious writing bridges the mystical with the tangible, creating a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Häxkapell‘s quest for knowledge, power, and wisdom is evident throughout the album. The artwork by Maéna Paillet and the band’s emblem by Luciana Nedelea visually capture the album’s themes, while Thomas Väänänen’s layout complements the sonic journey.
Om jordens blod och urgravens grepp is a triumph of atmospheric and progressive black metal, enriched by its folk and classical influences. Häxkapell continues to evolve, offering listeners a powerful, introspective journey through the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Highly recommended for fans of immersive, genre-defying black metal.
Track list (with translations):
1 – Satans rötter (‘Satan’s roots’)
2 – Metamorfos (‘Metamorphosis’)
3 – Urgravens grepp är hårt och kallt (‘The grip of the grave is hard and cold’)
4 – Hem (‘Home’)
5 – Vindar från förr (‘Winds from the past’)
6 – Den sanna modern talar (‘The true mother speaks’)
Album Contributors:
Oraklet – Vocals, Strings, Flute, Handdrum
JM – Drums
IPU – Violin, Vocals
Album Credits:
Oraklet – Songwriting & production
Maéna Paillet – Artwork
Luciana Nedelea – Häxkapell logo
Mastering – Tore Stjerna
Layout: Thomas Väänänen
Format: CD/LP/Digital
