Conceived ideologically back in 1994 by Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Hrafngrímnir, MØRKGRIM has finally achieved realization in the form of their first album. “Sǫgur Frá Norðfirði” was a product of Hrafngrímnir’s self-induced isolation on a remote Norwegian farm, devoid of common commodities. Within roughly 38 minutes of music are nine songs that blend deeply intense and detailed Folk with true ’90s Black Metal, producing coherent displays of both aggression and meditative atmospherics. Released through Soulseller Records, Hrafngrímnir employs the skillsets of Nils “Dominator” Fjellström (EPIKOROS / ex – DARK FUNERAL /ex – SANCTIFICATION) on drums, Saga B. on additional vocals and Dev Gohil contributing additional guitar work to help bring about a full and dynamic sound. MØRKGRIM departs from the world of human existence and enters the deep wilderness, never looking back in the process. ‘Ramnen Kvæd’ opens the record, introducing the Folk element in ready fashion, building into the first burst of linear and calculated Black Metal chaos. Epic and sweeping riff crafting joins with roiling double-bass and blasting off the drums, with rasping and viciously constrained vocals sitting in a position of prominence in the mix. Riffs combine intense grinding rhythm chords, weeping melodies and dynamic periods of single-note flash. Folk elements reappear near the center and end of the song, expressing their importance to the overall composition and sound. The Folk elements are not simple keyboard lines or the occasional unorthodox instrument but deep and immensely comprehensive layers of ancient and primordial sounds. The second track, ‘Blóðsvǫrr,’ reaffirms the deep relationship to both Folk and Black Metal, bolstered by guest guitar work and a screaming collaborative solo. Dominator takes a prominent role in the flow of the track, exhibiting his signature speed and attack in both blasts and double-bass, peppered with rapid-fire fills and spatial cymbal splashes. Hrafngrímnir channels the style of some of the ancient greats in his vocal execution but largely remains a unique delivery and presence, spewing vitriol and venom but also utilizing a more ritualistic clean approach at times. The use of expansion and contraction in terms of atmosphere begins to become more apparent with periods of melodic layering and airy iciness offset by periods of more barbaric and direct blasting chaos, freely moving between the two in violent transition. The speed and rawness create a sense of aggressive forward movement while periods of Folk detailing weave narrative details and embellishment that really set the songs outside of the standard Black Metal delivery to which most would be accustomed. The narrative changes at this point. We hear an entire new side of the MØRKGRIM sound in ‘Mørkt’, which shifts into pure meditative Folk and ritualistic musings. There are no intense and amplified instruments or crashing waves of distortion, but tempered and textural unorthodox instrumentation, merging a metronomic drum beat and the light pluck of a circular melody to dense and wonderous layers of ceremonial vocals. MØRKGRIM has established two identities within the core of their sound, representing drastic aural extremes and the ability to merge two dramatically different palettes of sonic colors into one articulate portrait. The flow of “Sǫgur Frá Norðfirði” is becoming entrancing and engaging, as three different tracks brought about three radically different deliveries, showing a multifaceted approach to songwriting and an expert sense of composing. ‘Nordljós’ returns to the brutality established on ‘Blóðsvǫrr’, with Dominator’s machinegun drumming leading a furious charge of ancient and razor-sharp single-note melodies, grinding chords and Thrash like rhythm bridges. The onslaught is reminiscent of early IMMORTAL, with an almost off-the-rails level of speed and execution. Another long phrase of Folk leads the listener into retreat and solace before returning back to the hammering fury of the epic ‘Garm’. Piano accents and long serpentine melodies create the feel of surging symphonic presence much like a merging of ancient ULVER and EMPEROR. One of the strongest tracks on the debut and a stunning representation to the imaginative direction of Hrafngrímnir’s bottomless creativity. The last stage of the record is one that slows in tempo and feeling, guiding the listener to its instrumental conclusion. The masterful blend of contrast in both the structures of the songs and the whole of the record between the rigidity of the Black Metal presence and the more ethereal Folk narrative is something that deserves to be praised and highlighted many times over. With this largely being the work of a solo artistic force, devoid of the democracy of group thinking, it is something of a masterclass in terms of composing and managing numerous complex layers of sound. The production on “Sǫgur Frá Norðfirði” is going to challenge people that aren’t accustomed to this level of frontal rawness in 2026. The mix heavily favors both vocals and drums during Black Metal assaults, leaving the guitars slightly further in the background and many accenting signals serving almost as sonic apparitions. The production will not appeal to everyone, and it wasn’t designed with that intent in mind, however, it is critical to the existence of “Sǫgur Frá Norðfirði”, as modern production values would strip away some of the bleak and muted sonic colors. MØRKGRIM has finally become something greater than an idea, with “Sǫgur Frá Norðfirði” being a monumental display of Folk and Black Metal that feels truly organic, truly in line with the old school way of songwriting and musical thinking. Having been ideologically founded in 1994, that era’s sonic palette is captured here on “Sǫgur Frá Norðfirði” like an idea that was frozen in time. The rawness, the grittiness and the scathing attack all recall the days of foundational second-wave albums and the peak of many bands’ creative outputs, “Sǫgur Frá Norðfirði” establishes a tonal presence that feels as ancient as the spirits of the dark forest. For more information on MØRKGRIM, check out www.instagram.com/morkgrimofficial and for more news on Soulseller Records, see www.facebook.com/soulsellerrecords.