In late 2023, VANSIND, a seven Danish Folk Metal band released their debut album, "Mørket." It was and still remains an exceptional album. I reviewed the album here on Metal Temple and rated it a 10 out of 10. I even interviewed them. They were gracious, forthcoming, and highly committed to their cause. To say I was impressed is an understatement. On May 1, 2026 they will be releasing their sophomore album, "Hævnen," on Mighty Music. I quickly secured my reviewer's copy. A bit nervous, but very excited. I mean, the second album is always the real test, right? The proof point that says the first album was either a fluke or the band is the real deal. I'm pleased to say that VANSIND is indeed the real deal. "Hævnen" is every bit as good as "Mørket" if not better. Their focus is tighter, their chemistry more attuned . . . there's also the addition of another guitarist as well as new bass player. Whether it is the band's natural evolution or lineup changes or both, I think we can safely say VANSIND has arrived.

The band says that with this album, they "wanted to explore the darker consequences of choice, loyalty and loss. It's an album about standing your ground, even when the cost is high." I want to say this comes through with the lyrics and narrative but since it's in Danish and I only know English, I really have no idea. On the other hand, that tension between intention and consequence certainly comes through in the juxtaposition of J. Asgaard's harsh vocals and Line Burglin's clean vocals as well as the contrast between the riffage of the now twin guitar attack and Rikke's performance of traditional folk instruments. Even without understanding a single word on this album, you can feel its emotion, its pain and glory, just breaking through.   

The distinctiveness of this album comes through on the very first track, "Det største offer," which Google tells me translates to something like 'the biggest victim.' This is a nine-minute track. A nine-minute opening track is a statement. It says this isn't an album of radio-friendly pirate shanties or quick hit singles. It says the band has a story to tell and they're going to take their time telling it right. As you might imagine, the track works through several movements, showcasing the full range of the new lineup. A clear standout track amongst many.

Other standout tracks include "Blodhæven" which starts off with an Eastern vibe and then somehow escalates to death metal paroxysms before leveling out to a melodic but still heart-pounding romp until Rikke floats us out on a light tin whistle melody. This six-minute track covers some wildly diverse terrain. I also really loved "Truslen Fra Dybet" (trans: the threat from the deep), with its tantalizing acoustic intro but also for the hypnotic percussion break and the cascading, layered vocals which ebb and flow and swell like the ocean itself.

I mentioned the opening track for its salvo-like impact. I should also note the closing track, "Skæbnens tunge vej" (trans: the hard road of fate), for its resolutory effect. This song veers more into traditional folk but is accented with heavy, deep trenches of melodic doom. A nice conclusion to the album.   

I continue to be impressed by the strength of the songwriting of VANSIND as well as their ability to reconcile the raw and the refined into a sheer sonic elegance. The band has referenced the diverse musical backgrounds of their lineup, and I think this is the key. They break conventions, test new inflections, explore divergent vantages because they haven't been completely consumed by the expectations of the subgenre.  "Hævnen" is both visceral and graceful, a stunning sophomore effort by VANSIND.