STRANDHUGG is a self-proclaimed Neo-Viking Djent Metal band from Norway, obviously. They mix inspirations like MESHUGGAH, LAMB OF GOD, and PERIPHERY to achieve this unique feel and sound. "Kyn" is their six-track album that was released in November of 2016 and has a listening time of just about 23 and a half minutes. The opening track "Elding" comes blasting in with a monotone, yet hard entrance. At about 1:15 we get the tone change that brings this track about. There is a fight of tone here for the first three minutes. Moving back and forth, it shows that this opening instrumental is full of fluidity and movement, but also full of emotion and creativity.

Track two "Rift" has a beefy bass line and guitars that shred, albeit distorted, through the entire track. We get a since of vocals here as well. They are a reminder of Progressive Metalers before and perhaps a vision into the future. These vocals have a harsh gritty range and a cleaner crisper chorus. The drums are fast and are a complete complement to the bass as it keeps things even lower and completely satisfying. "Silhouettes", track three, has an outstanding intro to the track. The music just melds together in this track. The rhythm changes experienced are almost perfect. There is a drum piece with about a minute left that sort of throws off the feel of the track but overall feel and sound to this track is masterful.

Track four, "Plague", starts with that oh so loved muted guitar. The vocals are screaming and harsh. The tone is fast and blast beat-y. I can hear the Viking feel a bit in this track. There is that ready for battle and to cleave your face intention here. It's a fun and interesting track. This track as a whole isn't as muted as the others, but they offer some incredible musicianship and brutality.  "Óðr", track five, is a one-minute interlude that doesn't show an additional talent, but does create that break from one track to another. Óðr is the "husband" of Freyja in Norse mythology. While there are many theories about the topic of Óðr, it's meaning as divine madness, frantic and furious does come to mind to describe this one-minute bit.

"Óðr's" heartbeat leads us beautifully into the final track, "Gallows". The track comes in hard and distorted. The drums are incredibly noticeable with cymbal over flow. It brings a lighter element to this track. It's an extremely interesting flip from the norm. The bass gets in there and keeps this track low and balanced. "Do you even Djent, bro?" Yes, STRANDHUGG has this guitar technique locked and sealed. What is Neo-Viking Metal? I'm still not sure, but to hell with genres anyway. These guys have this Metal thing down. There are mixing and matching elements here that create a creative, original, and masterful album. STRANDHUGG will appeal to most metal-heads and djent enthusiasts alike.