EINHERJER
Lifeblood

6-page folded booklet printed on on 125gsm art paper.

The classic Norwegian black/viking metal material re-issued! The 1994 Aurora Borealis demo and the 1995 Leve Vikingånden 7"ep presented as one album.

Released in 1998, "Far Far North" is a cult-classic release by the Norwegian band Einherjer. While technically an EP, it is often cited as a definitive moment for the band, bridging the gap between raw black metal roots and epic, melodic storytelling. Unlike their debut album Dragons of the North, which featured a more aggressive, traditional black metal vocal style, "Far Far North" introduced a shift toward melodic Viking Metal. "Far Far North", the title track, is an absolute anthem. It’s known for its catchy, galloping rhythm and a chorus that practically demands you grab a drinking horn. It’s one of the band's most recognizable songs. Released at the time via Century Media, this EP helped solidify Einherjer as leaders of the second wave of Viking Metal. While bands like Bathory pioneered the genre, Einherjer are among those who refined the Viking metal aesthetic—blending heavy metal structures with Norse mythology and folk-inspired melodies

Released in 1998, "Odin Owns Ye All" is the second full-length studio album by Einherjer. It’s a fascinating, if slightly polarizing, chapter in the history of Viking Metal because it marked a distinct departure from the cold, black-metal-influenced sound of their debut "Dragons of the North". While their earlier work was rooted in the atmospheric and aggressive Second Wave of Black Metal, "Odin Owns Ye All" leans heavily into Heavy Metal territory. The guitar work is much more rhythmic and "groove-oriented" than the tremolo-picking found in traditional Norwegian metal and the sound is cleaner and punchier, losing the raw, lo-fi aesthetic of the mid-90s in favor of a more polished, rock n' roll Viking vibe. One of the most notable changes is the vocal delivery of Ragnar Vikse: instead of the typical black metal shriek, Vikse utilizes a unique, raspy, and melodic approach. It feels more theatrical and storytelling-driven, which fits the epic themes of Norse mythology but was quite a surprise to fans at the time.