Artist: Idis Örlög
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Genre: Heathen Folk
Year: 2015
Country: Norway
Label: WolfTyr Productions
Idis Örlög is an acoustic Folk project from sole member Siv Idis, which is heavily rooted in Germanic lore. Musically Idis Örlög is based primarily around acoustic guitar and clean vocal performances, bringing to mind other similar acts such as Hagalaz’ Runedance or Carved In Stone. Other instruments (such as harp and fiddle) are used to enhance the atmosphere of the music, and includes guest performances from Runahild of Eliwagar (another talented Folk band from Norway).
One aspect of Idis Örlög’s music that I am very impressed by is the thoughtful concepts behind each song. The wonderfully packaged digipak CD contains a booklet with liner notes explaining the themes of each song, including lyrics (which alternate between English, German, and Norwegian). Songs dedicated to Frigga, the Norns, the cyclical nature of all things, and the historical worship of gods such as Tyr in areas of Scandinavia are covered, offering a wealth of genuine heathen inspiration that is presented with sincerity and respect. Drawing upon the literature of the Eddas and Nordic myths for inspiration, Idis Örlög can be seen as a medium for expressing deeper and more meaningful forces at work. In other words, this is not just another Folk band singing about Valhalla and other metal-esque clichés, but a more serious exploration of Germanic paganism and the worldview of our ancestors.
The track “Frøya og Svipdag” is a definite highlight of the album for me, although after several listens I found the album doesn’t have many “standout” tracks and is best listened to as a single listen. With this in mind, I found the inconsistency of production between some songs to be offsetting, but these are details that may not affect every listener. Idis Örlög has created an excellent tribute to our pagan past with this release, and is recommended for those who wish to escape the dreariness of the modern age.
