VANIR is one of Denmark’s most prominent melodic death metal bands and has, since the band’s inception, released six full-length albums. And today they unleash their seventh beast, titled “Epitome”.

The theme of this new opus is the Danish middle-ages, with two songs branching into the Renaissance (“Wood Iron And Will” and the early middle-age “Blood Eagle”). The core of the album’s theme is the throne and the battles fought to keep it or to cement its power. 

The first single of the album, “Twisting The Knife”, was written about The Stockholm Bloodbath, which was a trial that led to a series of executions in Stockholm between the 7th and the 9th of November 1520. The siege of Arkona in 1169, led by the Danish and Pomeranian forces under Valdemar I, is the beginning point for “Fall of Arkona”. Finally, a song about strength, valour and courage (“One Man Army”) completed the singles trilogy of the record. 

The “Epitome” album cover is a depiction of the Danish queen Sorte Grethe (Black Greta). In her own time, Margaret had a reputation as a competent and enlightened regent. Regent Margaret was faced with the unresolved conflict between the crown and the archbishop. The song “Sorte Grethe”, on the album, is about a bloody battle where 12.000 men were killed to protect her sons’ right to the crown.

“Epitome” is out today on CD, LP (black vinyl, limited to 300) and digital formats via Mighty Music. It can be ordered here. 

Vanir has been around for more than 10 years and has evolved a lot since the band’s beginning. With the last three records, and now with “Epitome”, Vanir shows its hard edge and catchy melodic death metal. 

From the Sagas of old to the halls of kings and the bloody battlefields, Vanir’s music has been put together, without compromise, with a fascination with Scandinavian common origins, and the blood spilled throughout history. 

Live dates 2024:
17/18.02 – Cernunnos Pagan Fest, Paris (FR)
01.03 – Kulturfabrikken Nykobing (DK)
08.03 – Mejeriet Sønderborg (DK)
23.03 – Gimle, Roskilde (DK)
09.05 – Dark Troll Festival (DE)
10.05 – Heathen Gathering (AT)
30.08 – Von Hatten, Randers (DK)
29.-31.08. – Næstved Metalfest (DK)
28.09 – Fredagsmangle, Stockholm (SE)

Lineup:
Martin Rubini – vocals  
Kirk Backarach – guitar  
Michael Lundquist – guitar
Mikael Christensen – bass
Jon Elmquist Schmidt – drums
Stefan Dujardin  – keyboards

Webshop: https://bit.ly/vanir-target

Digital: https://vanir.lnk.to/epitome

Web:
Facebook
Instagram
Bandcamp
Spotify
Apple Music
Tidal

Photo by Natascha Dumbledear Allen

As we get closer to the release of  VANIR’s new opus, the Danes release a new lyric video and digital single to tease the album. And once again they dive deep in Scandinavian history, in “Fall Of Arkona”.

The siege of Arkona was a short eight-day siege between the Danish and Pommeranian forces under Valdemar I and the Wendish forces of the temple fortress of Arkona. It resulted in a decisive victory for the Danish forces, after which the rest of Rügen surrendered. After the battle, the Danes destroyed the large statue of the Wendish God Svantevit.

Join the premiering below:

Vanir is one of Denmark’s most prominent melodic death metal bands and has, since the band’s inception, released six full-length albums. And now, they’re ready to unleash their seventh beast, titled “Epitome”.

The theme of this new opus is the Danish middle-ages, with two songs branching into the Renaissance (“Wood Iron And Will” and the early middle-age “Blood Eagle”). The core of the album’s theme is the throne and the battles fought to keep it or to cement its power.

The first single of the album, “Twisting The Knife”, was written about The Stockholm Bloodbath, which was a trial that led to a series of executions in Stockholm between 7 and 9 November 1520. The siege of Arkona in 1169, led by the Danish and Pommeranian forces under Valdemar I is the beginning point for “Fall of Arkona”. Finally, a song about strength, valour and courage (“One Man Army”) completes the singles trilogy of the record.

The “Epitome” album cover is a depiction of the Danish queen Sorte Grethe (Black Greta). In her own time, Margaret had a reputation as a competent and enlightened regent. Regent Margaret was faced with the unresolved conflict between the crown and the archbishop. The song “Sorte Grethe”, on the album, is about a bloody battle where 12.000 men were killed to protect her sons’ right to the crown.

Vanir has been around for more than 10 years and has evolved a lot since the band’s beginning. With the last three records, and now with “Epitome”, Vanir shows its hard edge and catchy melodic death metal.

From the Sagas of old to the halls of kings and the bloody battlefields, Vanir’s music has been put together, without compromise, with a fascination with Scandinavian common origins, and the blood spilled throughout history.

“Epitome” will be released on CD, LP (black vinyl, limited to 300) and digital formats via Mighty Music on February 16th, 2024.

Live dates 2024:
17/18.02 – Cernunnos Pagan Fest, Paris (FR)
01.03 – Kulturfabrikken Nykobing (DK)
23.03 – Gimle, Roskilde (DK)
09.05 – Dark Troll Festival (DE)
10.05 – Heathen Gathering (AT)
23.08 – Von Hatten, Randers (DK)
28.09 – Fredagsmangle, Stockholm (SE)

Lineup:
Martin Rubini – vocals
Kirk Backarach – guitar
Michael Lundquist – guitar
Mikael Christensen – bass
Jon Elmquist Schmidt – drums
Stefan Dujardin  – keyboards

Digital single: https://vanir.lnk.to/arkona

Webshop: https://bit.ly/vanir-target

More information at:
https://www.facebook.com/vanirband
https://www.instagram.com/vanirdenmark/
https://vanir.bandcamp.com/
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/vanir/427022932
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6DCYYeX3Iqic6GnQTXM3n4
https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3927453

Photo by Natascha Dumbledear Allen

After the historical swirl of the first single “Twisting The Knife”, VANIR now releases a new advanced song from their upcoming new studio album, both as digital single and as a lyric video.

“One Man Army” is a song of Honor and Valour”, the band declares. “The song is a tribute to those who fight with vigour for freedom and to defend their own. Throughout history, millions of young and old have fallen on the battlefields of what is now Europe. And for all who still need to fight to defend the freedom of nations, Sword high, headstrong, survive, and be a one-man army!”

For the single and lyric video premiere, VANIR teamed up with Metal Shock Finland, enjoy it below!

Vanir is one of Denmark’s most prominent melodic death metal bands and has, since the band’s inception, released six full-length albums. And now, they’re ready to unleash their seventh beast, titled “Epitome”.

The theme of this new opus is the Danish middle-ages, with two songs branching into the Renaissance (“Wood Iron And Will” and the early middle-age “Blood Eagle”). The core of the album’s theme is the throne and the battles fought to keep it or to cement its power.

The first single of the album, “Twisting The Knife”, was written about The Stockholm Bloodbath, which was a trial that led to a series of executions in Stockholm between 7 and 9 November 1520. The siege of Arkona in 1169, led by the Danish and Pommeranian forces under Valdemar I is the beginning point for “Fall of Arkona”. Finally, a song about strength, valour and courage (“One Man Army”) completes the singles trilogy of the record.

The “Epitome” album cover is a depiction of the Danish queen Sorte Grethe (Black Greta). In her own time, Margaret had a reputation as a competent and enlightened regent. Regent Margaret was faced with the unresolved conflict between the crown and the archbishop. The song “Sorte Grethe”, on the album, is about a bloody battle where 12.000 men were killed to protect her sons’ right to the crown.

Vanir has been around for more than 10 years and has evolved a lot since the band’s beginning. With the last three records, and now with “Epitome”, Vanir shows its hard edge and catchy melodic death metal.

From the Sagas of old to the halls of kings and the bloody battlefields, Vanir’s music has been put together, without compromise, with a fascination with Scandinavian common origins, and the blood spilled throughout history.

“Epitome” will be released on CD, LP (black vinyl, limited to 300) and digital formats via Mighty Music on February 16th, 2024.

Live dates 2024:
17/18.02 – Cernunnos Pagan Fest, Paris (FR)
01.03 – Kulturfabrikken Nykobing (DK)
23.03 – Gimle, Roskilde (DK)
09.05 – Dark Troll Festival (DE)
10.05 – Heathen Gathering (AT)
23.08 – Von Hatten, Randers (DK)
28.09 – Fredagsmangle, Stockholm (SE)

Lineup:
Martin Rubini – vocals
Kirk Backarach – guitar
Michael Lundquist – guitar
Mikael Christensen – bass
Jon Elmquist Schmidt – drums
Stefan Dujardin  – keyboards

Digital single: https://vanir.lnk.to/army

Webshop: https://bit.ly/vanir-target

Web:
https://www.facebook.com/vanirband
https://www.instagram.com/vanirdenmark/
https://vanir.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6DCYYeX3Iqic6GnQTXM3n4
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/vanir/427022932

VANIR is one of Denmark’s most prominent melodic death metal bands and has, since the band’s inception, released six full-length albums. And now, they’re ready to unleash their seventh beast, titled “Epitome”.

The theme of this new opus is the Danish middle-ages, with two songs branching into the Renaissance (“Wood Iron And Will” and the early middle-age “Blood Eagle”). The core of the album’s theme is the throne and the battles fought to keep it or to cement its power. 

The first single of the album, “Twisting The Knife”, was written about The Stockholm Bloodbath, which was a trial that led to a series of executions in Stockholm between 7 and 9 November 1520. The siege of Arkona in 1169, led by the Danish and Pommeranian forces under Valdemar I is the beginning point for “Fall of Arkona”. Finally, a song about strength, valour and courage (“One Man Army”) completes the singles trilogy of the record. 

The “Epitome” album cover is a depiction of the Danish queen Sorte Grethe (Black Greta). In her own time, Margaret had a reputation as a competent and enlightened regent. Regent Margaret was faced with the unresolved conflict between the crown and the archbishop. The song “Sorte Grethe”, on the album, is about a bloody battle where 12.000 men were killed to protect her sons’ right to the crown.

“Epitome” will be released on CD, LP (black vinyl, limited to 300) and digital formats via Mighty Music on February 16th, 2024. Pre-orders are available here. The first digital single taken from the record, “Twisting The Knife” is already out and can be streamed here.

“Epitome” tracklist:
1. Twisting The Knife
2. One Man Army
3. Wood Iron And Will
4. Sanguis Et Aurum
5. Sorte Grethe
6. Call To Arms
7. Fall Of Arkona
8. Blood Eagle
9. Kings Will Fall

Vanir has been around for more than 10 years and has evolved a lot since the band’s beginning. With the last three records, and now with “Epitome”, Vanir shows its hard edge and catchy melodic death metal. 

From the Sagas of old to the halls of kings and the bloody battlefields, Vanir’s music has been put together, without compromise, with a fascination with Scandinavian common origins, and the blood spilled throughout history. 

Live dates 2024:
17/18.02 – Cernunnos Pagan Fest, Paris (FR)
01.03 – Kulturfabrikken Nykobing (DK)
23.03 – Gimle, Roskilde (DK)
09.05 – Dark Troll Festival (DE)
10.05 – Heathen Gathering (AT)
23.08 – Von Hatten, Randers (DK)
28.09 – Fredagsmangle, Stockholm (SE)

Lineup:
Martin Rubini – vocals  
Kirk Backarach – guitar  
Michael Lundquist – guitar
Mikael Christensen – bass
Jon Elmquist Schmidt – drums
Stefan Dujardin  – keyboards

Webshop: https://bit.ly/vanir-target

Web:
Facebook
Instagram
Bandcamp
Spotify
Apple Music
Tidal

Photo by Natascha Dumbledear Allen

On the evening of 7 November, King Christian summoned many Swedish leaders to a private conference at the palace. At dusk on 8 November, Danish soldiers, with lanterns and torches, entered a great hall of the royal palace and imprisoned several noble guests. Later in the evening, even more of the king’s guests were imprisoned. The following day, 9 November, a council, headed by Archbishop Trolle, sentenced the proscribed to death for being heretics. At noon, the anti-unionist bishops of Skara and Strängnäs were led out into the great square and beheaded. Fourteen noblemen, three burgomasters, fourteen town councilors and about twenty common citizens of Stockholm were then hanged or beheaded. The executions continued throughout the following day. According to the chief executioner, Jörgen Homuth, 82 people were executed.

These are the historical facts behind “Twisting The Knife”, the first VANIR single from the upcoming new album of the Danish band. An aggressive and heavy offering, fully reflecting the violent nature of the lyrics.

Metal Shock Finland has a pleasure to premiere, for Finland, VANIR’s “Twisting The Knife” single + lyric video, enjoy it below!

Vanir is one of Denmark’s most prominent melodic death metal bands and has, since the band’s inception, released six full-length albums and has their seventh record ready to be out in early 2024.

Vanir has been around for more than ten years and has evolved a lot since the band’s beginning. With the last three records and now with their upcoming offering, Vanir shows its hard edge and catchy melodic death metal.

A new Vanir album will be released in early 2024.

Lineup:
Martin Rubini – vocals
Kirk Backarach – guitar
Michael Lundquist – guitar
Mikael Christensen – bass
Jon Elmquist Schmidt – drums
Stefan Dujardin - keyboards

Digital single: https://vanir.lnk.to/knife

More information at:
https://www.facebook.com/vanirband
https://www.instagram.com/vanirdenmark/
https://vanir.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6DCYYeX3Iqic6GnQTXM3n4
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/vanir/427022932

From the Sagas of old, to the halls of Valhalla, from Danish and Germanic battlefields with their bloody battles and fierce warriors, Danish warriors VANIR are back and have put together, without compromise, a new epic album, with a fascination with our common origins, and the blood spilled throughout history. Few bands have more authority to do so: Vanir is one of Denmark’s most well-known and prominent Viking melodic death metal bands. The group has, since it’s inception, released five full-length albums very well received by the media and the avid supporters of the genre. But one can say, without much hesitation, their sixth effort “Sagas” is their best yet.

Written and recorded during the pandemics, mixed and mastered by Rune Stiassny (Iron Fire, ex-Saturnus), “Sagas” is mostly themed around Nordic mythology, but also has a song dedicated to one of the most important fantasy writers in history – J.R.R. Tolkien – who was himself greatly inspired by Nordic mythology and Denmark. On the other hand, a song such as “Black Clad”, has a double-edge sword: it is written as a tribute to the Norse god Brage, but also as a tribute to the fans of metal. The fans that support the scene and who will be the backbone of the live scene in the post-pandemic. Martin Rubini, Vanir’s vocalist, comments: “During the pandemic the world of music was turned upside down, this album has been our anchor in the creative part of our lives in a period where all our shows was cancelled and we still needed to be creative and do what we enjoy, playing metal. With “Sagas” we continue the route we laid out with “Aldar Rök” and “Allfather” and the vision we have for Vanir”.

Such is the Vanir approach to themes in 2022: melodic and fierce soundscapes, with lyrical strings tied to mythology and heathen paganism, but not ending there. “Sagas” artwork portraits this with a mixture of various Norse mythical imageries. It is inspired by the idea of fate and the Norns, which are here interpreted as a singular being, displaying various aspects of fate, while intertwined in its threads. It shows an elegant and feminine and strong imagery. The artwork was done by the bassist Lars Bundvad. “For this album, I didn’t write any music”, he explains. “Having been sidelined due to the pandemic – my immune system is not terribly robust – I wanted to go the extra mile and push myself for the artwork. The Norn portraits a strong feminine character and a sage who holds both wisdom and power. And I’m very happy with the result”.

“Sagas” is out now on CD, LP (two different colours, each limited to 300 units) and digital formats via Mighty Music. Orders can be placed here.