Album Review: Fjords – Onirica (Self Released)

Hailing from Nottingham, Fjords were officially born at the end of 2016. Before then, however, they previously existed under the guise, Onirica. Comprised of Jack Thorp (Guitars), Dav Carroll (Vocals) and Dan Bird (Bass), Onirica laid the early creative foundations for Fjords but it was not until the arrival of ex-October File drummer, John Watt, and Twilight’s Embrace guitarist, Ben Sizer, that Fjords were truly solidified.

At the start of 2017, the finalised line-up released Ode to the Albatross, an eight-minute debut single which showcased the band’s vision, as well as their experience in combining the heavy, epic atmosphere of European melodic doom with the more rhythmic attributes of modern progressive metal. Ode to the Albatross was met with a number of positive critical responses and helped to place the newly formed quintet on the map. Live performances soon followed, along with offers to play festivals such as Warhorns, and the band commenced work and demoing on their debut album. Trials and tribulations, however, delayed the album for an entire year. Now, their debut album, titled “Onirica” in homage to the early days of the band, is finally complete.

Vocalist, Dav Carroll comments:

Onirica is born from 10 years of joy, strife, hardship and love of music. It has been a long road travelled, but the end result is a collection of songs recalling dreams, myth and nostalgia that, to us, perfectly embodies that journey made.” The album stands gallantly as a superb body of work clearly mapping out the band’s manifesto and unabashed ability. Fjords are preparing for a single and video to coincide with the album release, as well as a forthcoming appearance at this year’s HRH Vikings II in Sheffield in late November. Stay tuned!

Onirica will be released on November 22nd 2019.

Call it melodic metal, atmospheric doom, post metal, progressive metal…all of it and more applies for what can rightfully be called an epic from Fjords. Everything and anything is fair game here as Onirica kicks off with the enlightening blend of crushing heaviness and mournful lightness. Into the Vista laying bare just what we can expect from this hour-plus album.

Such a great start, having already shown some of their more progressive moments, it really arises in the following Blossom in Rapture. A killer guitar rhythm that lifts the mind, body and soul all while the vocals howl and roar with dangerous intent. An absolute belter of a track.

Keeping the melodic stance at the forefront, the title track keeps the same strong feeling of an intense but beautiful journey. Following wonderfully into the largest sounding track so far in Prometheus. The clean singing working in perfect tandem with a crunching drum beat with the exclamation mark made by the throaty roars. It’s diverse and exciting if not a bit exhausting.

Unbound is a chance to catch the breath though as it’s a very subtle 1:23 of soft melody.

That breath is needed though as the depths sunk to with the following Tides of the Sea are suffocating. One of the more straightforwardly heavy and groovy tracks on the album before Fjords demand legs of steel for the upward trek that comes with the final three efforts.

Each one longer and each lingering just long enough to leave the mind in disarray. The most impressive segment of the record begins with arguably the best track on the album, The Godless Shade. Wow, just wow. The progressive trip that constantly ripples with exciting new colours, it’s a very special track.

Then we have Ode to the Albatross, a seemingly mellow track that hides a beast. One that comes ripping and tearing out abruptly and shockingly. Before Polaris, the only track to pass the 10 minute mark, dives even deeper with a final expansive experience. One that leaves the riffs ringing around the skull long after it’s finished.

The effort Fjords put in is admirable and they rightfully deserve recognition for crafting such a sensational album.

Fjords – Onirica Full Track Listing:

1. Into the Vista
2. Blossom in Rapture
3. Onirica
4. Prometheus
5. Unbound
6. Tides of the Sea
7. The Godless Shade
8. Ode to the Albatross
9. Polaris

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