Valfreyja is the solo project of musician David Blomgren, from Sweden and was started in 2016. David is the sole member of the band, playing the guitar and bass as well as programming the drums, and this self-titled album is the band’s debut, released on 24/02/2023. Entirely self-produced, with David handling the recording, production and promotion, the album has ten tracks in total, lasting just over fifty-four minutes.

With a creative drive that stems from a “wish to reinvigorate modern metal music with new musical concepts inspired by the eccentrics of other genres,” the album is a beautiful mix of many different musical styles but presented in a more progressive metal way.

All the tracks on the album are instrumentals and this shows how talented this guy really is.

With hooks and riffs thrown at the listener from all angles, the guitar work on this album is absolutely sublime. Mixing every style of guitar playing, from heavy riffs to acoustic Spanish guitar work to total shred work and a little bit of blues thrown in for good measure, there really is something for everyone on this album. The solos are simply sublime, and the intricate playing really is beautiful to hear.

The bass work, as previously mentioned, also done by David, is extraordinary. In my opinion, a lot of bass players don’t get the recognition they deserve and the bass lines on this album are meaty at times, funky at others and the speed that some are played at is just phenomenal.

The drum work, although programmed, fits with the rest of the music perfectly. It is energetic when it needs to be yet more laid back at other times but keeps the songs on track.

If you like progressive, instrumental music that is very experimental then this is the album for you! The sounds that this guy produces are just fantastic, and he isn’t afraid to try different things out. The album has a big sound and as its his debut, he should be very proud of what he has created.

Fantastic work! Very much looking forward to the next album now!

Track Listing:

1) On The Wall

2) Victory’s Edge

3) Strength Of Stone

4) Nature Of The Cosmos

5) Cat Chases Tail

6) Burn With Purpose

7) Web Of Lies

8) Delve Deeply

9) Parting Words In Summer Rain

10) The Thought Of You

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum