Initially devised in 2020 and with humble beginnings as a solo project, KROMHEIM has grown to become a melodeath trio with a keen focus on Norse culture and a clear fascination with Vikings. KROMHEIM's only release to date is the eponymous EP which came out in 2020, but the band's debut full-length, "Journey to Divinity" - featuring the new line-up - is set for release on 17^th February. As Viking concept albums go, the gods of Nordic folklore-obsession, AMON AMARTH, are up there as the kingpins of the Viking death metal world. Naturally, bands of a similar ilk and thematical alikeness are inspired by the divine melo death metallers, but only few will conquer in their plight for Viking greatness and reach metal Valhalla.

So, what can you expect from KROMHEIM, a band that seems to have garnered a decent fanbase mostly through live performances? Firstly, they're not a carbon-copy of AMON AMARTH, although the latest album is backboned by the same style of melodic riffs (naturally), but the unique subtleties KROMHEIM infuse places them in a less 'traditional' Viking metal stance. Primarily, "Journey to Divinity" focuses on swelling instrumentals and eagerly flexes its Scandinavian melodic death metal muscles, showcasing that its roots are firmly in the realms of the likes of AMON AMARTH, DARK TRANQUILLITY, and HYPOCRISY. Intro "War" opens with a deluge of blasts and growls and gruffness weave through every intricate, melodic riff, whilst "The Landing" makes a violent Blood Eagle assault of violent and precise measure and incorporates some thoughtful black metal injections.

KROMHEIM opt to focus on gargantuan melodies with a leaning towards subtle infusions of brooding black metal atmospheres carefully interspersed amongst fat riffs for a darker, more pensive listening experience, as seen perfectly in "World Reborn", a soaring opus of pulsating drums executed with real finesse. Bombastic intros designed to inspire dread and despair fill "Journey to Divinity" with the likes of "Sword and Soul" wielding an impressive build-up to plenty of grandiose soundscapes to appreciate throughout, with orchestral segments that whet the appetite for more bloodthirsty atmospheres in the plunderous feeling track "1000 Lives" which sways into territory that is both haunting and mellifluous with its melodies.

KROMHEIM really does have a knack for high-quality, sleek riffs, and nailing especially syrupy melodies that contrast with ease against harsh gutturals. The sweeping melodies and acoustic interludes of "Final Arrow" combine in perfect synergy with steady, unnerving tempo of the drums to create another brooding composition with a notable solo to savour towards the end. However, there are times where the vocals can feel a little one-dimensional, and they don't always have the strength to soar above such boisterous instrumentals, but this is only a sporadic hiccup within "Journey to Divinity". The production is mostly plump and professional, with the title-track especially lending a rich bassline that holds the density of this weighty track perfectly.

Overall, I enjoyed "Journey to Divinity" and found it to be instrumentally captivating with plenty of structural variation, quality riffs, and pleasing melodies. In my opinion, the vocals may be construed as being a little monotone, but the ferocity of their execution mostly compensates, and the album is generally a pleasant listen. When KROMHEIM hit that instrumental sweet spot you're in for a gorgeously hypnotic melodeath experience.