Helheim – Niðr Ok Norðr Liggr Helvegr / Helheim 2LP (Gold Vinyl)

Helheim – 'Niðr Ok Norðr Liggr Helvegr / Helheim' 2LP

Remastered reissue double LP edition on gold vinyl edition with 16 page 12" booklet, A2 poster & download code limited to 150 copies

Founded in Bergen in 1992, Helheim quickly set out to carve their place within the rising Norwegian Black Metal scene. Their first demo, released in 1993, showed early promise and paid homage to their key influences, most notably Bathory and Venom, including a raw and spirited cover of “Countess Bathory.” While an important historical document, it only hinted at the depth and ambition that would soon define the band. Everything changed with their second demo, 'Niðr ok Norðr liggr Helvegr', released in 1994. Spanning nearly 50 minutes, an unusually long runtime for a demo. This recording marked a dramatic evolution in both style and scope. Helheim expanded their sound with female vocals, folk and Viking-inspired elements, and even the inclusion of trumpets, creating a far more adventurous and atmospheric musical vision. Strongly influenced by the progressive approach of early Enslaved, the band embraced non-linear songwriting and a distinctive sonic identity that set them apart from their contemporaries. Widely regarded as a landmark of Norwegian Metal, 'Niðr ok Norðr liggr Helvegr' represents the moment Helheim truly discovered their sound and propelled themselves to the forefront of the Norwegian Black Metal movement. This reissue has been remastered from the original DAT tapes, ensuring the best possible audio quality for this pivotal recording.