Hinweg über die Tore der Zeit

Mjolnir is one of those bands you're not likely to come across for several reasons. They've only released a few things in their career and their members aren't really associated with more well-known bands. Also, they aren't that well known to begin with, but if you ever find yourself stumbling across these guys by accident, then consider yourself lucky because Hinweg uber die Tore der Zeit is a pretty unique album with a couple of ideas that make it memorable.

Mjolnir play a militant, though melodic type of black metal with several symphonic elements mixed in. Because of this, it's very easy for them to create a strong atmosphere. Production is clear, but the real kicker is that although there are only a few members in this band, the production would have you believe that there's a full symphony backing the metal in some huge theater setting with a large audience. I haven't really seen other bands pull off this effect (whether Mjolnir intended it or not). This gives many of the songs a lot more energy and an even stronger atmosphere. For the sake of referencing, it's hard to compare Mjolnir's sound on this album to other bands, but if I had to try, older Lucifugum mixed in with some ideas from Bathory, Enslaved, and Nokturnal Mortum come to mind when trying to get a feel for what this album actually sounds like.

The tracks range from very catchy and melodic, to aggressive and militant. Despite these differences, most of the tracks have a very regal feel to them that is enhanced by the songwriting and production. Themes of Nordic pride, victory, and honor are rampant throughout the entire album. The best part is that it's not done in a cheesy fashion. The mixture of clean vocals and shrieks enhance these songs even more. Im Banne Der Nacht starts the album off in a welcoming pace while the final track, Marsch auf dem Helweg, is perfectly fitting as a calm clincher to everything going on.

The best track is probably Walpurgisfeuer. The beginning is a great hook to the rest of the song. You would think it's a moderately paced song due to how the vocals and synths are used, but when you hear the drums and the riffs, those elements are going unusually fast. The chorus never gets old and the riffs are incredibly catchy.

So why only the 85? The overuse of pinch harmonics really butcher the longest track, Bis das der Tod die Zeit besiegt. This song starts off great and ends well, but when you're stuck in the middle, it seems they spam pinch harmonics out the wazoo and you get sick of it so easily. Because it's a long song, that just makes it even more tedious to get past. I really hated that part. It's too bad, too, because the rest of the song is incredibly awesome and powerful. Of course, that's only a small issue when you consider the rest of the album as a whole.

If you ever come across Mjolnir in your metal searching travels, do give Hinweg uber die Tore der Zeit a shot. It's a strong album that easily differentiates itself from all the other Germanic style bands you happen to come across already.