In the deep, storm-swept heart of the North Atlantic, Faroese death/doom outfit Hamferð returns with their third full-length opus, Men Guðs Hond Er Sterk, a work that delves into the dark waters of grief, memory, and the inexorable force of nature. This album, much like the tempestuous seas surrounding their homeland, is both a formidable display of musical prowess and a deep, emotional journey through tragedy and resilience.
From the outset, Hamferð establishes an atmosphere that is as oppressive as it is mesmerizing. The album opener, “Ábær,” immediately plunges the listener into a maelstrom of heavy riffs and haunting melodies, setting the tone for an experience that is as much an exploration of the band’s musical landscape as it is a journey through the heart of darkness. The dual nature of the vocals, ranging from guttural growls to soaring clean passages, serves as a perfect metaphor for the duality of despair and hope, a theme that runs deep throughout the album.
The narrative thrust of Men Guðs Hond Er Sterk is inspired by a harrowing local event – the 1915 whaling disaster off Sandvik. This tragedy, which saw 14 men lose their lives to the sea, is woven into the fabric of the album, lending a poignant, historical context to the band’s exploration of loss and the haunting presence of those gone before. The music of Hamferð has always been deeply intertwined with the Faroese landscape and folklore, and this album is no exception. The thematic coherence between the lyrical content and the musical arrangements is striking, creating a seamless narrative arc that is both compelling and deeply moving.
Musically, the album showcases Hamferð‘s ability to balance brutality with beauty. The band navigates the waters between death and doom metal with a masterful touch, crafting songs that are both crushingly heavy and achingly melodic. The production is warm and organic, allowing each element of the band’s sound to breathe and resonate. This is music that demands attention, not just for its sonic depth but for the emotional landscapes it explores.
The album’s tracks, while shorter on average than those on its predecessor, lose none of their power or intensity. Instead, they feel more focused, each song a distillation of the band’s ability to convey emotion through music. From the despair of “Rikin” to the reflective sorrow of “Marrusorg,” and the transformative catharsis of “Hvølja,” Hamferð traverses a wide emotional spectrum, capturing the complexity of human response to tragedy and loss.
Yet, it is perhaps in the closing track, “Men Guðs Hond Er Sterk,” that the album finds its most poignant expression. Here, the aftermath of the tragedy is confronted not with resignation, but with a solemn acknowledgment of resilience and the passage of time. The track, though it may depart from the heavier aspects of the album, serves as a powerful conclusion to the narrative, a moment of quiet reflection after the storm has passed.
Men Guðs Hond Er Sterk stands as a testament to Hamferð‘s growth as musicians and storytellers. It is a work that does not shy away from the darkness but instead embraces it, finding within the depths of sorrow a profound sense of beauty and strength. While it may not be a perfect album, with moments that may feel like missteps to some, its ambition and execution are undeniable. It is a journey through the heart of darkness that ultimately leads to a place of somber beauty and reflection.
Jorge’s Rating: 8.5/10
Hamferð‘s latest offering is a powerful, emotionally charged exploration of tragedy, memory, and the indomitable human spirit. It is an album that stands as a bold statement from a band that continues to push the boundaries of their genre, crafting music that is as deeply felt as it is beautifully rendered.
Tracklist:
Ábær 5:50
Rikin 5:29
Marrusorg 6:15
Glæman 5:24
Í hamferð 4:53
Fendreygar 5:37
Hvølja 5:09
Men Guðs hond er sterk 5:04
Translation:
Album title: But Strong Is The Hand of God
01 To The Storm
02 Driven
03 Nightmare Grief
04 The Glow
05 As Apparitions
06 Ghosts Of The Marsh
07 Whaleskin
08 But Strong Is The Hand of God
Men Guðs hond er sterk credits:
Jón Aldará – vocals
Theodor Kapnas – guitars
Eyðun í Geil Hvannastein – guitars
Jenus í Trøðini – bass
Esmar Joensen – keyboards
Remi Kofoed Johannesen – drums
Recorded and mixed by Theodor Kapnas at Studio Bloch in Tórshavn, The Faroe Islands
Hamferð discography:
Vilst er síðsta fet LP (Tutl 2010)
Evst LP (Tutl 2013)
Támsins likam LP (Metal Blade Records 2017)
Ódn (Metal Blade Records 2019)
Men Guðs hond er sterk LP (Metal Blade Records 2023)
Hamferd online:
https://www.facebook.com/Hamferd
https://www.instagram.com/hamferdofficial/
https://hamferd.bandcamp.com/
