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Biografia : Einherjer

Einherjer was formed in January 1993 by Frode Glesnes (Guitar) and Gerhard Storesund (Drums). The band was, and still is, based in Haugesund, a small town at the westcoast of Norway. The intention and the goal as musicians has always been to try to capture the atmosphere and the feeling there is to Norse mythology, combined with the intensity of heavy metal music. As the first flyers for "Aurora Borealis" so clearly stated; "Out of the wastes of the Northern hemisphere, comes the most epic & atmospheric Viking Metal. Charged with the power of Mjølner. Enchanted by the mysticism of the land of Thule." A very strong statement, but it is the code that Einherjer still live by. Therefore we label Einherjer's music as Viking Metal.

THE NAME...
The name Einherjer is taken from the Norse mythology, Einherjer is a vikings life after death. When a viking was slained in battle, he was brought up to Valhalla by the Valkyries, for then to join the army of Einherjers and help the Gods in their clash against the Giants in the age of Ragnarok.

THE FIRST RECORDINGS
Einherjer entered the studio for the first time in december 1993, to record the demo "Aurora Borealis". The line-up was Grimar (Frode) - guitar, Ulvar (Gerhard) - drums, Nidhogg (Rune Bjelland) - vocals and Thonar (Audun Wold) - bass & synth. The demo was very well recieved by the underground metalscene and today it is regarded as a cult-release in the genre. "Aurora Borealis" consisted of 4 songs and today, nearly 8 years later, two of the songs are still highlights in the liveset. A very strong release indeed. The first Einherjer gig ever, happened 11.March 1994 as support to Enslaved at their releaseparty for "Vikingligr Veldi". If my memory from that time serves me correct, Einherjer opened with a song called "Holmgang". A song that was recorded for a Compilation album sometime in 1994, but it was never released. Parts of the song appeared later in songs like "Fimbul Winter" and "Conquerer"."Aurora Borealis" made quite a fuzz in the underground-scene and it lead to a seven-inch deal with Necromantic Gallery Prod./Damnation Dist. Einherjer entered the studio for the second time in May 1994 to record seven inch "Leve Vikingånden". As the demo, the seven incher was well recieved by the undergroundscene and as the demo, it soon gained a cult-status. After the release of "Leve Vikingånden", Necropolis Records got in touch. They wanted to release "Aurora Borealis" as a mini-cd. Einherjer accepted the offer, but unfortuneately by the time it was released, "demos on CD" had suddenly become the new trend. But regardless of what should have been done and what shouldn't, it is very nice to have such an outstanding demo available on CD.