Heavy, heavy riffs, demonic howls and growls, folk-metal melody and pastoral Norwegian fiddling are all blended together on Andvake, the new album from Olav Luksengård Mjelva, aka Afargang.
Release Date: 13th June 2025
Label: ByNorse Music
Formats: CD / Vinyl / Digital
A COLLISION OF FORCES
Afargang is the vehicle that allows the multi-talented Olav Luksengård Mjelva the space and platform to channel the essence of Nordic culture, climate, scenery and legend into the soundscapes he creates. He’s a master of the Hardanger fiddle – the instrument that, more than any other, defines and differentiates Norwegian folk music. And he uses it in a way that merges seamlessly with the other signature sounds of Europe’s northernmost country: metal and black metal. Andvake is a collision of forces, where ancient traditions meet the unbridled power of metal.
Andrake, the album’s title, means ‘Awakened Soul’ – something that Olav says he’d “…rather not describe too explicitly – I’d rather leave that to the listener. And, honestly, there are ideas in these lyrics that I’m still learning myself, which is a good thing!”
A VISCERAL BLEND
Olav’s fiddle, guitar and voice is given extra force on Andvake, courtesy of the guitars of co-producer Stian Kårstad, with Sindre Bråthen Tjørswaag on bass and Jon Even Schårer on percussion. Speaking of the finished product, which he describes as: “…a visceral blend of aggression and sadness,” Olav says: “In my mind, this album is a journey that leads the listener through different worlds. I wanted to write some very dark music but, of course, the whole album can’t be that dark, so the songs offer some variation in tone, with different signatures and tempos.” And, that, ladies and gentlemen, captures Andvake in a very generously-proportioned nutshell.
CLASSIC SCANDINAVIAN IMAGERY
The title to opening track, Mot Verda, translates as “Against the World,” a message that’s conveyed by the shrieking fiddle that gets the album on the move. Things quickly settle into a passage of powerful riffage that’s strong, majestic and – unmistakably – Nordic. The guitars mesh tightly, the bass/drum foundation is solid and pure and Olav’s vocals evoke all the classic Scandinavian imagery you could ever hope for. Especially when ‘guest growler’ Haldor Bromstad steps up to the mic…
Kvile is altogether folkier, with an interesting guitar motif and strong, clear vocals from Olav. The song’s title means ‘Rest,’ and, whilst not exactly restful, the tune is definitely engaging – and even melodic. The band are tight and, when the backing vocals fire up, the excitement starts to build. And it goes on building as, first, fiddle, then raging guitars, crank up the pace.
HARMONIES – FROM EVERY AVAILABLE SOURCE
Andrake, the album’s title track is a simmering slow-burner. Once again, the riffs are powerful and stately, as the theme switches between harmony-led etherealism and all-out, demonic, blackness, with Haldor once again parading his satanic presence.
The lyrics to Leika (it means ‘Play’) are, so we’re informed, unusually melancholic – and so they sound. Olav repeatedly strikes his fiddle strings with his bow, before his vocals invite comparisons with a Scottish lament. Multi-part vocal harmonies emerge from every available source as surges of guitar add to the atmosphere created by Olav’s exquisite bursts of fiddle. Things become decidedly jazzy as the instruments take over from the vocals, and I’m reminded of Moving Hearts in full-flow, with extra-fuzzy guitar served as a side-dish.
CONDENSED – INTO A 6:14 SUITE
An archive recording of legendary Norwegian fiddler Olav Sataslåtten forms the prelude to a glorious burst of folk-metal in the brief interlude, Mellomspel: Vêrfolne, before the pace is upped, once more, for Sjå Det Blånar (‘It’s Getting Blue’). Chugging guitars, rumbling bass, flying drums and soaring fiddle settle into a vibrant rhythm that provides the backing for Olav’s passages of spoken word. Even when it’s restrained, it’s mad – and when it’s mad, it’s utterly crazy!
I quote the album’s press release, when I describe Leva Og Døy, the track that, more than any other, encapsulates what Andvake is all about. It says: “[The song] reaches a peak of raw intensity, incorporating Norse mythology into its brutal and beautiful structure,” and it certainly does. Flurries of guitar accompany more of Olav’s spoken recitations and the riffage that launches the magnificent choral passages is brutal and unremitting. Yet, when Olav picks up his fiddle, the mood descends into something that is quite calm and pastoral. Leva Og Døy is a track that condenses the presence and purpose of Andvake into a single, magical, 6:14 suite.
THE ESSENCE, THE SPIRIT AND THE IMAGES OF NORWAY
A heavy, doomy, riff is mirrored by Olav’s equally doom-laden vocals for I Di Eining (‘In Your Circle’). Yet – probe beneath the surface of the song, and you’ll find melody, and a sense of fighting back against the odds. And you’ll be forgiven for mistaking the song’s harmonious vocal coda for a lost Beach Boys demo!
The title of the album’s closing track, Kom Ned, translates as ‘Come Down’ – and that’s exactly the emotion conveyed by this slow, solemn, tuneful song. Olav sings along to his strummed fiddle whilst guitars are plucked ponderously in the background. The riffs haven’t gone away, but they’ve been dialed right back, such that the listener’s attention is focused entirely upon Olav’s voice and lyrics. He’s inviting the listener to seek out meaning and peace in a tumultuous world – and that’s wise advice, no matter how it’s packaged.
Afargang capture the essence, the spirit and the images of Norway with Andvake. It’s an excellent, accomplished, well-performed and well-produced album.
Watch the official video to Leva Og Døy – the track that, more than any other, encapsulates the spirit of Andvake – below:
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