Review : VREID – “Milorg”

Vreid – Milorg
released 2009Jan15 on Indie Recordings/2009Oct27 on The End, added 2009Nov10

Drink in the artwork before delving into Milorg, the fourth LP by the three former members of Windir. A chilling concept album that’s sure to push them from their former band’s shadow, the title is an acronym for ‘militær organisasjon’: the strongest Norwegian resistance in WWII during the “Weserübung”, and the inspiration for this remarkable opus.

The crystalline production showcases their unique style, which blends TNBM, NWOBHM, folk and more, with defiant conviction. Their scope is broad: check out the midalbum nod to Iron Maiden on the instrumental “Blucher Pt. II”, the shades of Gothenburg Thrash in “Heroes & Villains”, or the restrained Opeth invocation “Argumento ex Silentio” before the mighty title track.

The band sings in English for the first time, which I predict will catalyze their career in much the same way it did Windir. The rare emergence of clean vocals is a welcome addition to both “Alarm” and “Disciplined”, but Sture’s deadly discernable rasp dominates. Bonus “Skjebnen” is a cover of fellow countrymen Seigmen.

Inextricably linked to their proud roots, Vreid is poised for greatness on another brilliant release. As beautiful as it is disturbing, Milorg’s haunting sincerity bravely echoes the dark past.

A Best of 2009 pick!
FCC OK
Try *1*, 2, *3*, 4, 6, 8

01. Alarm
02. Disciplined
03. Speak Goddamnitt
04. Blücher
05. Blücher Pt. II
06. Heroes & Villains
07. Argumentum Ex Silentio
08. Milorg
09. Skjebnen (bonus track)

Rating: