REVIEW:BIFROST – Mythistory

 

BIFROST – Mythistory

Hammerheart Records/ Painkiller Records

Symbolism serves as a powerful medium for transmitting messages across human history, acting as a universal and timeless language of communication. The Dutch band Bifrost utilizes this concept extensively throughout their creative output, beginning with their very name—a reference to the Norse mythological bridge connecting Asgard, the realm of the gods, to Midgard, the home of mortals. Their third official release, Mythistory, serves as a conceptual bridge in its own right, blending historical narratives with mythological elements to create a cohesive thematic experience.

The band successfully translates this philosophy into their music by weaving together Northern and Germanic folklore within a sonic framework that merges melodic epic black metal with thrash metal. From a technical standpoint, the black metal influences bear a striking resemblance to the atmospheric style of Rotting Christ during the “Triarchy of the Lost Lovers” period and the works of Ancient Rites. Specifically, Bifrost incorporates a "Hellenic" mid-tempo stomp and melodic guitar leads that carry a dark weight, eschewing the chaotic "wall of sound" common in Scandinavia for a more grounded, ancient atmosphere. Similarly, the influence of Ancient Rites is visible in the way the band handles storytelling; keyboards and theatrical vocal passages are used not as symphonic gimmicks, but as tools to heighten the historical narrative and evoke a "warrior spirit" reminiscent of a call to arms from a bygone age.

Conversely, the thrash metal elements that dominate much of the record draw clear inspiration from the early, raw energy of pioneering German acts such as Kreator and Sodom. By positioning themselves at this crossroads, Bifrost created a sound that was both intellectually engaging and sonically heavy, bridging the gap between Teutonic power and Mediterranean darkness. This approach aligns them with the broader European pagan-thrash movement, drawing comparisons to the British cult band Sabbat and early Skyclad. This unique positioning allowed them to stand out in the late 90s Dutch scene, which was heavily dominated by "Nederdeath" giants like Pestilence and Asphyx. While many of their peers were focused on brutal, guttural death metal, Bifrost was more aligned with the pagan and atmospheric shifts occurring in the European underground.

Even for those who may not be deeply immersed in the extreme metal genre, this release offers a high degree of personality and creative ingenuity. The compositions effectively capture and project the band's core ideas, dealing with local legends from the Dutch region of Limburg alongside broader Northern myths. While the production could arguably benefit from more power and clarity, the current sound quality fits the specific musical style and does not present an obstacle to the listening experience; rather, it reinforces the gritty, underground spirit of the era. Originally released on CD by Hammerheart Records and on vinyl via Painkiller Records, this remains a significant entry in the band’s discography. Following their 2001 EP,” Torn Between Two Worlds”, the group’s status has remained unknown, leaving “Mythistory” as a compelling artifact of their unique artistic vision.

Nick Parastatidis