vildhjarta’s third full-length album, + där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar + (Where the Forest Sings Under the Eternal Fir Trees), released on May 30, 2025, via Century Media Records, is a brilliant addition to the progressive metal collection. Coming in at 59 minutes across 10 tracks, this Swedish quintet made up of guitarists Calle Thomér and Daniel Ädel, vocalist Vilhelm Bladin, bassist Johan Gidlund, and drummer/producer Buster Odeholm, delivers a record that pushes the boundaries of their self-coined “thall” subgenre. Defined by hypnotic, djent-infused riffs, polyrhythms galore, and dissonant, yet beautiful atmospheric textures, + där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar + builds on the legacy of 2021’s Måsstaden Under Vatten (Seagull Town Underwater) while carving a new territory. This album is not just a collection of songs but a journey into a world that feels both primordial and otherworldly, blending Scandinavian folklore with futuristic dissonance.

Landscape and Production

From the opening notes of + byta ut alla stjärnor på himlen mot plustecken + (Replace All the Stars in the Sky with Plus Signs) Vildhjarta plunge listeners into their signature sound: crushing, down-tuned riffs that twist and writhe with mathematical precision, underpinned by Odeholm’s near robotically precise drum patterns. The production, helmed by Odeholm, is a standout feature, striking a balance between aggression and clarity. Every chugging riff, ambient swell, and subtle synth layer is meticulously and expertly placed, creating a soundscape that feels both claustrophobic and vast. Almost like an as above, so below type contradiction sound wise, it’s brilliant! The album’s dynamic range is impressive, allowing moments of serene beauty—like the ethereal clean guitar passages in + kristallfågel + (Crystalbird) to coexist alongside bone-rattling breakdowns in tracks like + sargasso + (a type of seaweed).

The inclusion of previously released singles from 2023 + den spanska känslan + (The Spanish Feeling), + ylva + (Eleven), and + kristallfågel + (Crystalbird) feels organic, with each track recontextualized within the album’s broader narrative. + den spanska känslan + (The Spanish Feeling) stands out for its odd, yet welcome folk influences, with acoustic parts and a melancholic melody that evoke the windswept forests of Nordic mythology. Meanwhile, + kristallfågel + (Crystalbird) showcases Vildhjarta’s ability to bring post-metal influences into their sound, with shimmering guitar tones and Bladin’s emotive vocals creating a haunting, almost cinematic atmosphere.

Depth and Resonance

Thematically, + där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar + feels like an odyssey through a magic wilderness. The Swedish song titles and lyrics, while not fully translated for the non-Swedish speaking audiences, add a layer of mystique, conjuring images of ancient forests, starlit skies, and existential introspection. Tracks like + röda läppar, söta äpplen + (Red Lips, Sweet Apples) blend poetic lyricism with visceral intensity, with Bladin’s vocal delivery oscillating between guttural roars and melodic croons. This duality mirrors the album’s musical approach, which juxtaposes brutal technicality with moments of introspection.

Strengths and Innovations

vildhjarta’s greatest strength lies in their refusal to stagnate. While Måsstaden Under Vatten was a landmark release for its ambition, + där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar + feels more focused, with tighter songwriting and a clearer sense of purpose. The band leans harder into their post-metal influences, drawing comparisons to Katatonia, while retaining the djent-inspired riffing that nods to Meshuggah and Ion Dissonance. The result is a record that feels both grounded in its roots and experimental.

The guitar work from Thomér and Ädel is nothing short of virtuosic, with riffs that spit on the idea of structure and convention. Tracks like + sargasso + feature polyrhythms that twist in unexpected directions, keeping listeners on edge, while + den spanska känslan + (The Spanish Feeling) introduces melodic motifs that linger long after the song ends. Odeholm’s drumming is equally impressive, blending blast beats, double-kick barrages, and intricate fills that drive the album’s relentless momentum. Gidlund’s basslines, often understated in the mix, provide a pulsating foundation that anchors the chaos, yet also order.

Bladin’s vocal performance deserves special mention. His ability to shift from feral growls to soaring clean vocals adds a human element to the album’s otherwise alien soundscape. His delivery in + kristallfågel + is particularly affecting, conveying a sense of longing that elevates the track to one of the album’s emotional peaks. The use of Swedish lyrics, while potentially alienating to non-Swedish speakers, enhances the album’s authenticity, rooting it in the band’s cultural identity. I personally believe the Swedish heightens the mystique of this entire album!

Critiques

If there’s a critique to be made, it’s that the album’s density can be overwhelming. At nearly an hour, the relentless barrage of syncopated riffs and atmospheric layers demands engagement, which may alienate casual listeners.

Additionally, while the album’s thematic cohesion is a strength, it can feel abstract to the point of opacity. Without a clear narrative thread or translated lyrics readily available, some listeners may struggle to connect with the album’s conceptual ambitions. However, for dedicated fans and those willing to immerse themselves fully, this ambiguity only adds to the album’s enigmatic allure. For example, look at the band Taake. All their music is in Norwegian, yet that doesn’t take away from how badass of a discography they have! Music transcends language!

The Verdict

+ där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar + is a perfect example of ambition and execution, cementing vildhjarta’s status as trailblazers in the progressive metal landscape, up there with Meshuggah. It’s an album that demands time and attention but rewards listeners with a profoundly immersive experience. For fans of Meshuggah, Gojira, or Tesseract, this is essential listening, a record that pushes the boundaries of technicality, atmosphere, and emotion. While its intensity and complexity may not appeal to all, those who venture into its depths will find a work of art that is as punishing as it is beautiful, as chaotic as it is meticulously crafted. Set aside an hour and listen to this album in the dark. It is a haunting yet awesome experience!

vildhjarta have not only lived up to the expectations set by their previous work but have surpassed them, easily, delivering a record that feels like a landmark in the evolution of thall and progressive metal. This is an album that will be dissected and celebrated for years to come, a testament to the band’s unrelenting vision and fearless creativity. Give it a listen y’all!