Take a seat — things are about to get a little complicated. Stefan Drechsler, originally from Germany, is of course best known as a member of the German-Icelandic band Árstíðir Lífsins, active since 2008. He is also familiar to many as a live musician for the German band Helrunar. In recent years, Drechsler has reportedly relocated to Bergen, Norway — you know, the place to be for anyone with a taste for dark, atmospheric music.
From his new home base, he now presents his project Fordæðuskapr through the German label Ván Records — a name that translates roughly to “witchcraft.” With this solo endeavor, Drechsler once again delves into a world of mysticism, folklore, and shadowy, archaic soundscapes, clearly building upon the thematic richness and musical intensity we already associate with his previous work.
Work on this debut album reportedly began back in 2022 in Reykjavik, Iceland, with support from Árni Bergur Zoëga, known from Árstíðir Lífsins and Carpe Noctem. The project then continued between 2023 and 2024 in Bergen, Norway. Final mixing and mastering took place in Gothenburg, Sweden — meaning the album has, quite literally, traveled across half of Scandinavia.
What we end up with is an idiosyncratic and subtly progressive black-metal record, full of unexpected twists and unconventional structures that pull the listener into a realm of violence, bloodshed, and ancient mysticism. At times the music goes straight for the throat, but more often it takes the scenic, uncharted route — keeping the experience fresh and compelling. The kinship with Árstíðir Lífsins is unmistakable, both in atmosphere and compositional approach.
As with Árstíðir Lífsins, this album is entirely performed in Icelandic. Over the years, the language has effectively become a second mother tongue for Drechsler, lending the music an additional layer of authenticity and cultural depth.
If you’re craving something beyond the usual blast-and-bash approach — something more progressive, layered, and reflective — then I can wholeheartedly recommend Hræflóð markar fjalla (“A flood of corpses marks the mountains”). It takes some effort to fully immerse yourself in it; this is no fast-food metal, and at times it even strays toward technical death metal. But for those willing to dive in, it reveals itself as a fascinating, stubbornly individual, and immersive work that refuses to let go.
80/100