Composer Reacts to Windir - Arntor (REACTION & ANALYSIS & ALBUM REVIEW) 

R.I.P. Valfar. Such genius for how young he was when he created this album.

Remember Valfar wrote all this himself pretty much. It was his passion project and the band died with him. He was an amazing musician, started with his first demo solo around 15 years old I think. Tragic but most black metal death you could have, he froze to death in a blizzard in Norway. RIP Valfar, all the good die young, you are missed! Also it's not exactly black metal it was put in its own special genre, Sognametal. Named after where he's from if I'm not mistaken

It's been years and years and hundreds of spins over those years and I'm getting goosebumps every single time. Such a timeless classic...

Nice, I'm happy you're listening to Windir again, it's such a fun band.

it just really makes me all giddy to see someone who isn't really into black metal enjoy it even though it's not exactly the black metallest of parts that get them excited, but the fact that you were still able to break every song down to its every element and find the composition praiseworthy makes me happy to know that people who aren't into black metal can still find value in it unlike others who quickly dismiss it in the instant they hear the first note

Windir blends joy with obscurity. It is fun and it is dark. It is emotional in many ways such as life and the great works of art which present its complexity. I love your react, it is immersive.

Yes! What a classic album. I’ll give your analysis a watch a bit later to see what gems you pull out! Thanks Bryan!

Parts of the melody in "Arntor, A Warrior" is a norwegian folk melody usually accompanied by the lyrics "Jeg råde vil alle", a psalm, as mentioned by Perry A. The melody can also be heard in "Trøstevise for Byen" by Geirr Lystrup.

The "YEa!" parts are all influenced by Celtic Frost, their singer is well known for doing "Yeah!" and "ungh!" capping a section of a song, or starting a new one. Even Opeth does this because of Celtic Frost.

I found this album 12 years ago and can't stop listening to it since then. Total masterpiece from beginning to end.

Really good video here, I think you're pretty much spot on when it comes to the baroque influences. Valfar openly expressed how he drew a lot of influences from Norwegian hymns collected in a book called "Norsk Koralbok", and combined it with traditional folkloric melodies. A lot of the melodic structures and arrangements in Valfars' music has similarities with these chorales, which in turn was heavily baroque in nature.

I was lucky enough to catch them live twice, Valfar was an excellent frontman and gave his all each time. The live version of Saknet really hit home as you could hear his personal pain in each note.

Saknet was my first ever Windir song 20 years ago when I was 14. It gets better every time I listen to it. More recently I'm hooked to The Burial mount of King Hydnes. That progressive switch at 2.20 is just mind-blowing. RIP King Valfar

Should do a reaction to the first Ensiferum album. Folk Metal, a little farther removed from the Black Metal roots than Windir but still not so much to drift off into party music.

Oh and thank you so much for doing this, you are amazing!!! Been waiting for a break down of Windir for so many years and finally got one. Please do all his albums and their final concert after Valfar died. His brother sings some songs, its very touching

This album has been giving me goosebumps for 20 years. Never fails. One of the best albums of all time. RIP Valfar

i adore track 4, The Black Smith. It's one of the first black metal songs that i heard.

The accordion is definitely a part of Norwegian folk music and the clean vocal by Steinersen - it's a common surname here in Norway so it's probably his real name. Lastly, for now, the burial ritual checks out. They needed food and stuff for their journey to the world beyond. Chieftains were even buried in longships along with horses, gold, food, weapons and armour. Sometimes their thralls as well. Thank you for an excellent analysis, loved it. Also thanks for /windir ...

I always found The Longing (Saknet) incredibly powerful and moving, with the lyrics being very personal for the vocalist/founder, and the melodies providing a frame full of sorrow and tragedy. Maybe they work better in Norwegian, as that’s my tongue, and I never found them cheesy there. Just intense. Blasting it as emo just because it’s personal and about feelings is very silly, in my view.

For the struggle, I believe he's not talking about generational changes, he's listing all changes forced on them, not that it changed naturally so to speak. He's not comparing current society, the sweet drinks means wine, not soda, which replaced beer. It's a list of all the cultural impacts from the country's conversion

Over the last six years, I have been involved in translating all the Norwegian lyrics into English. It's been hard work, especially desciphering the Sogndal dialect, but I managed to pull through. Hell, my lyrics for Kampen actually got printed for Season of mist's vinyl release. Seeing as you are probably using Darklyrics (where I published my translations), I just want to point out that Lundamyri is the name of a mire, translating to the mire of Lund. I have debated for a long time how to translate it, and as I gain more knowledge, I intend to update the translations to more accurately reflect their messages. It should also be said that in the dialect of Sogndal, the word ondt, can mean both evil, and painful. In this context, it means painful As for there being two translations to "The longing", Eli Hilleren originally translated Arntor, a warrior, The burial mound of King Hydne, and The longing. I noticed that Darklyrics did not have her version of The longing, so I provided that as well

I often can't relate at all to the reactions on this channel but dudes been reacting to the best music by far lately compared to other reaction channels

the technical quality is incredible. dont know how i never checked out folk black metal before

Haven't watched the video yet (will watch it during my next drawing session tomorrow for sure) but Windir was one of my introductions into black metal (alongside Bathory, Celtic Frost, and Ulver which was the list I got from a friend after I said to her "okay this Burzum thing sounded nice, where do I go next? I wish I was still in contact with her, she got me to explore both black metal AND psychobilly). Now, it was the 1184 album (the one that has Todeswalzer on it) but man, what an introduction to a genre.

This album was already on my list "need to listen" and when you droped the reaction I had to go and try it, great album and great analysis 9/10 for me

Windir is something magical. The first time I heard it I was ju blown away... so many layers...so much thought in the music. RIP Valfar. The rest of the band is great but still not the same...

I’m new here, but I think we’re gonna get along just fine. Very perceptive and refreshing observations so far. Can’t wait to hear the whole thing! This is a damn-near-perfect album for my tastes, and it’s cool hearing your takes. SO glad you reacted the the natural distortion that you hear in Valfar’s voice when he pushes his scream a little “too” hard at 27:04. It’s been giving me instantaneous stank-face for about 17 years.

Good on you for doing this. This album is incredible front to back (as is their intire discography). For some reason this band is pretty underrated outside the group of heavily dedicated black metal listeners and I don't know why. The music is crazy varied and interesting for what's possible within the black metal genre. Don't know if you're up for it, but I would love seeing your thoughts on 1184 and Likferd going forward.

you making a little dance cheered my day up

Thank you for this, Bryan!

Aaamped! Luuuuved it. Valfar: what an astonishing multi-talented artist warrior(RIP). Luved the mix of styles throughout. And his sound mixing was awesome. Also luuuuved the punk ‘ending’ too(made me think of Darby Crash/Germs for a mo in the delivery). My first time watching an album review of yours, it was soooo fascinating(and great stab at the Norwegian language, haha), all very cool, cheeers❣️🤗🌿(ps maybe Valfar is “watching”…ooooo👻)✌️😁🤍

Great album, great analysis!

I thoroughly enjoyed this reaction/review/analysis! One of the best! Haven't heard the album before and really liked what I heard! This could even be tagged progressive bm in many parts. Some notes: Accordeon is quite common as a "folk's instrument" in Sweden since a century back or so. So I'd guess it's about the same with our neighbours in Norway (we do belong to Europe. The nordic countries are something of "the Canada of Europe" from an American perspective 😊) "Trolls are not something we see every day.. " Ever been to the interweb?...😉 Rythmically it WAS waltz and it WAS polka. Is there anything but rythm to define those styles of playing? Most Black Metal definitely took inspiration from punk. The combination of chaos, rawness, aggression, sparse production, provocative lyrics and imagery (though much more consistently sticking to one kind if idea: satanic/nihilistic/anti-religous) are some areas where it's shown. About that "conservative stance" of opposing to new clothes, footwear and drinks etc. I understood it like he was taking the perspective of the ancient viking who felt foreign culture invaded and forced people to abandon old ways and customs. He himself obviously embraced some really modern stuff - like synths 😉

I hate "reaction video" format, but you, sir, are on another level. Great, insightful, meritorical video. Btw. If you'd like to hear some amazing, melodic black metal, with clear vocals and progressive bass line then check - Resplendent Grotesque, especially last two tracks. I feel you'll dig it 🙂 keep it up! I'm gonna binge your channel for next weeks 😁

Nice to see a black metal sound that hit you the right way :D

This is my favourite Windir album, all lyrics in Sogna dialect and all stories from Valfar's hometown Sognal. Glad it's full album reaction and review. Pytten the other guy who's listed as mixing the album is legendary, he mixed a lot of the classics released from bands like Burzum, Mayhem, Enslaved, Emperor, Gorgoroth, Hades (later changed name to Hades Almighty), Helheim, Immortal, Taake, Obtained Enslavement etc. About bass in black metal you can hear bass on Darkthrone's Under A Funeral Moon (1993) for example but i'm pretty sure it's distorted but you can hear it cuz there is only one guitar sound with the bass and the drums.

One of my favorite albums. Thanks man

Just found your channel. Really appreciate it. It popped up during a metal binge. Must say, when it comes to Windir, the lyrics are integral to the themes of the music. It's not typical black metal lyrics, at least for the nineties. As you notised, they deal with the history, folklore and mentality of the people of Sogndal (the young man called it Sognametal). It's a four hour drive from me, so it's fun to hear about its more exotic sides. Western Norway in general is quite accustomed to the metal subculture, and a fresh perspective makes it more enjoyable as the quirk it is. The lyrics translations are desent, tho, much neuanse gets lost. The dialect has a quite unique vocabulary, its like taking for excample New York slang and translating it to another language. My favourite lyrics are from Kong Hydnes Haug that you seemto appreaciate too. It resonates quite well with me, cause in Norway there are centuries of historical buildnings, and landscapes being neglected, and modernist bee hives dotting the countryside. It brings out my inner boomer, so to speak. Regarding the old Norse burial tradition, ancient kings and people of high stature and regard, were buried with their most important belongings to aid them in the afterlife. It's similar to many northern cultures, but also echoes ancient Egypt and the Pharaos. There has been whole longships found in burial mounds. Most famously the Oseberg ship, that was almost completely preserved and dug out in the early 1900s (it was the resting place of a Queen or noble woman). There was resently a "new" ship found being excavated now. It's a fascinating subject. The Troll of Lundamyri is from a faitytale collected and preserved by Asbjørnsen and Moe in the 1800s (the Norwegian equivalent of the brothers Grimm). You nailed it with the blacksmith not real being in "real danger" in the sense that the protagonist of the fairytales tends to win, and the listeners around the fireplace probably knew too. They were often aided by helpers on their way and bestowed magical items to aid them if they acted kindly. I waffle on, but I really enjoy your impressions and analysis of the theemes.

There is so much Norwegian folk music in the songs to Windir. I don't know if there is any other Norwegian band that is so influenced by it, but I know that Ihsahn's single called Telemark use a bit of it. It is a very cool touch to the music I think.

Great reaction to a legendary album (as someone said, as is all of their discography really). Minor detail - the version you were listening to bears the English song titles, I prefer the Norwegian ones because it feels more authentic ;) (yes also I’m an elitist XD). Would love to see you react to some folk metal of this calibre, even though Windir has more black-ish elements to it, other bands which also play in this registre (with maybe fewer black metal elements but no less talents) are Ensiferum, Equilibrium, Moonsorrow and Finntroll. Saw some people mention these but would recommend you react / listen to the following albums which are pinnacles of this genre: 1. Ensiferum - Ensiferum (eponymous album name), Victory Songs, Iron, From Afar, Dragonheads (EP) 2. Windir - 1184, Likferd 3. Equilibrium - Sagas (legendary album, would love if you reacted to this), Turis Fratyr, Rekreatur 4. Finntroll - Nattfödd, Ur Jordens Djup, Nifelvind, Jaktens Tid 5. Moonsorrow - Kivenkantaja, Suden Uni, Voimasta Ja Kunniasta I do love folk metal, I love the themes and the musicianship, but in my humble opinion, the above constitutes some of the best metal music I have ever heard, and is a recurring listen. Want to make sure I share ;) Also for some reason not many people tend to react / listen to it, so definitely feel like it is a bit underrated. Anyways thanks again for reacting to this music, big fan of your analyses!

Great review of one of my favourite albums 😄 But I think you misinterpreted the struggle a bit. It's not about Valfar not wanting to change and adopting new things, it's about him not liking people from the cities moving in to rural Sogndal, building over the natural landscape, not respecting the local culture, customs and dialect (sognamål) which causes them to disappear over time.

Thank you for spoiling us

im surprised you couldn't hear the accordion in the intro since that was the main instrument on the track, you seem to mixed it up with the synth and the reason could be that it's probl an piano accordion he is using

for me personally, I think Windir is the most legendary band.

The Blacksmith song was sooo good! I actually have not heard this song before and I have to fix this major oversight. I mean, I know Windir band by name except some random songs here and there and I know the sad end of Valfar but the band somehow always managed to fly below my radar even though I am a huge Black Metal fan.

Love this album!

Darkthrone - Hardship of the Scots for guitar tone. Drudkh - Furrows of the Gods for some folk styles with all modern instruments

R.I.P. Valfar.....покойся с миром. Respect from Russian, we remember you

At about 24:00 the melody is from an old Christian folk song. The Christian black metal band Antestor uses that same melody in their song "Raade".

Perhaps you'd enjoy Vreid. A successor of Windir. Moved into black'n roll terrritory. With a great production. The albums I listen to most are Milorg and V.

Demonic shrieks at the front Joyous music in the back Beautiful I've loved this album from the first listen

The Blacksmith and the Troll of Lundamyri

Intro track was my theme song for when I was radio dj .. hail valfar

Epic music epic reaction!

I have a left field request...since you like atmosphere. Madonna Paradise Not For Me. I'd like your take on this song and what it means to her.

Yeah!!!

Excelente 👌

Love it! Please react on the album Hammerheart by Bathory

Most of the lyrics are from old stories and mythology from the place where Valfar is from.

What a great work on this all album ! Thanks ! I enjoyed discovering this band and dig in their sad history during the listening of your analysis.

With the Ending and the Struggle, I find that the composition of folk. I think Ending follows an AABA song structure or something like that.

If I had to use just one word to describe Windir's music, it would be 'emotion'.

It definitely wasn't just because it was one person that the bass sounds the way it does. Most one-man black metal bands (from my experience) are pretty lo-fi.

I listen to this when I play Zelda 👌

For more fun black metal, check out Bal Sagoth's album The Power cosmic

Yes a waltz

Heidra Valfar!!!

Yooooooooooooooo

I don't think Valfar will be watching this...

I can agree on cheesy lyrics and repetition taking away from the second half of the album

When are you going to write a black metal album?

sognametal

That folk melody in Arntor sounds familiar. It's really just Running Wild with bad production and bad vocals...