Sometimes the best things are worth waiting for. Over five years after Nordic dark folk artist Kati Rán released her single “Blodbylgje”, we get her exciting 13-track record “SÁLA”.
Kati Rán previously released a record with her band L.E.A.F. Now, nine years later, the Dutch vocalist, musician, songwriter, and producer will release “SÁLA” under Svarts Records. Named after the Old Norse word for “Soul” and “sea”, the record is described as an act of soul retrieval. And to be fair, listening to “SÁLA” does feel like a journey into the mind. Every track brings a new feeling with it and has its own soul.
For example, “HEFRING” and “BÁRA | Bósi” feel like they could be part of a game or tv show about vikings or other Norse Mythology. If you are a gamer, think of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla combined with The Witcher 3, almost like a song by Wardruna, yet with its own character. “KÓLGA | 16” is a spectral hymn, addressing female persecution through the ages.
Longest and most diverse track is the15-minute single “Blodbylgje”, originally released five years ago. This 15 minute long epos has dark undertones, a deep harmony in male and female vocals and because of the added effect of wood-creaking, it feels like you’re on a boat about to discover a new island, surrounded by old spirits. Sadly, the short track “DRÖFN | Drifting” shifts me a bit out of the mood setting because of the electric sounds.“STONE PILLARS”, which makes Kati Rán’s English song debut, is a dark atmospheric track. Another gem is “UNNR | Mindbeach”, where the vocal lines match up perfectly. With “HIMINGLÆVA”, all you need to do is close your eyes, and you will find yourself transported to Icelandic landscapes as your mind glides over rustic scenery. In these two tracks the vocal harmonies are superb. “BÁRA | Bósi” and “SEGIÐ MÉR” have a bit harsher vocals, bringing a flair of power. “SÁLA” closes with the track “Sátta” which is Old Norse for ‘peace’ and ‘reconciliation’. It ends the album as it began; with the bukkehorn.
What is clearly felt throughout the whole record is this general sense of communion. You feel one with nature. Maybe that’s because of where “SÁLA” is recorded, namely in a barn in Húsafell, Iceland, but also in Finland, Norway and The Netherlands. Vocals in the record range from Norwegian, Old Norse, Icelandic, and, for the first time, English.
Collaboration is a main thread throughout “SÁLA” too. Working closely together with Finnish producer Jaani Peuhu, there are contributions from extreme metal vocalist Gaahl, the Icelandic female choir Umbra Ensemble, renowned Norwegian jazz musician Karl Seglem, Björk and Brian Eno contrabassist Borgar Magnason, members of pagan folk acts Völuspá, Gealdýr, Heilung and Theodor Bastard and even Napalm Death’s Mitch Harris on vocals.
“SÁLA” is an immersive voyage for the mind, body and soul. Nearly every track has its own charm and brings a different state of mind. Close your eyes, lay down and let this record bring you on your own journey, I promise you will feel at least a bit recovered after.
Rating: 9/10
Release Date: May 24th 2024
Label: Svart Records
Writer: Michael
Tracklist:
- SÁLA
- HEFRING
- KÓLGA | 16
- BLODBYLGJE
- DRÖFN | Drifting
- STONE PILLARS
- DÚFA | Sleeping
- UNNR | Mindbeach
- HIMINGLÆVA
- HRÖNN
- BÁRA | Bósi
- SEGIÐ MÉR
- SÁTTA
