Over four years have passed since Helheim released their last album, and now the veteran Norwegian Viking metallers are set to release their eighth full-length album on December 4th via Dark Essence Records. Titled raunijaR, the album was recorded at Conclave & Earshot Studio by Vulture Industries’ Bjørnar Nilsen and was mastered by Enslaved’s Herbrand Larsen.
 
In the intervening years between 2011's Heiðindómr ok Mótgangr and the upcoming release of raunijaR, Helheim have been both experimenting with, and building on, their unique take on the Viking metal genre. As well as completing the themes that have woven their way through Helheim's music since the very beginning, it is with raunijaR that the band completes the Åsgards Fall storyline that began with the EP of that name in 2010.
 
Helheim's lineup comprises V'gandr on bass and vocals, H’grimnir on guitar and vocals, Hrymr on drums and Noralf on guitars. V'gandr himself has been expanding and perfecting his clean vocals, and now, when the two vocalists combine to sing clean vocals, new elements are added to the band's sound. Guest vocals on raunijaR come from Alfahanne’s Pehr Skjoldhammer and Norwegian musician William Hut, with additional guests performing on violin, piano and horns to further enhance Helheim's dark and heavy atmospheres and create a truly epic masterpiece.

Artwork is by H'grimnir from coverart.no.