Einherjer is a heavy metal band started in 1993 in the small westcoast town of Haugesund, Norway. in 1993. They play atmospheric Viking Metal, and helped define the genre early on. They rely heavily on Norse Mythology and almost every song contains a reference to it. They are named after the Einherjar, the fallen warriors who live in Asgard. The mood of the band can best be explained by a quote from them: "The intention and the goal as musicians has always been to try to capture the atmosphere and the feeling there is to Norse mythology, combined with the intensity of heavy metal music." They have stated in various interviews that they feel Norway is being oppressed by Christianity, and that their music is their way to honor their ancestors and bring back their culture.

If you're thinking of having a viking theme party, go get some Einherjer.

Members:
Gerhard Storesund (Ulvar): Drums (current member)
Frode Glesnes (Grimar): Lead Guitar and Vocals (current member)
Ragnar Vikse: Lead Vocals (current member)
Aksel Herløe: Rythm Guitar (current member)
Rune Bjelland: Lead Vocals (left in 1997)
Audun Wold: Guitar and Clean Vocals (left in 1997)
Stein Sund: Bass (left in 1997 but played on Norweigen Native Art)

Discography:

Aurora Borealis
Released: 1993 as a demo, re-released in 1996, and again in 2000.
Tracklist: De Sorte Sjøers Land, Aurora Borealis, Witchking, Einherjer.
Notes: Simply, a great album. The production quality isn't all that good, but after all all it's really only a demo. If you see them live be assured you will hear a few songs off this album. Truly a fan favorite, and help lay the groundwork for upcoming albums as well as for the genre.

Leve Vikingånden
Released: May 1994 by Necromantic Gallery.
Tracklist: Når Hammeren Heves, Når Aftensolen Rinner.
Notes: Only a 7 inch, but made huge waves in the metal underground. This really introduced Einherjer to a much larger audience, as Når Hammeren Heves was featured on many compilations. It also drew the attention of Necropolis Records who then released Aurora Borealis on CD. Also featured the "rolling thunder" style of Viking Metal with clean operatic vocals with a dense, fully orchestrated background.
Personal Note: I love this album. It's to bad it's only two songs, because I believe they hit their perfect sound on this one. I would play it in my car way to loud and wave my arms around trying to sing along to a language I don't know.

Dragons of the North
Released: 1996 by Napalm Records
Tracklist: Dragons of the North, Dreamstorm, Forever Empire, Conquerer, Fimbul Winter, Storms of the Elder, Slaget ved Hafrsfjord, Ballad of the Swords.
Notes: Probably the most critically acclaimed album Einherjer has. The production quality really jumped here, and it shows. The album is well produced, with all the instruments standing out nicely. Also, after this album, they signed with Century Media.
Personal Notes: I liked the album, but I feel Einherjer dropped the ball. They had developed a good sound off the previous albums, but it almost seemed the progression had stopped. Instead of being a defining sound, they seemed to have adopted outside influences. I still like it, and I still listen to it, it just could have been much better.

Far Far North
Released: 1997 by Century Media
Tracklist: Far Far North. Naar Hammeren Heves, Naar Aftensolen Rinner.
Notes: Not much more than a single for Einherjer, released on Century Media to get some sales. (Century Media does this all the time) The important thing about this album, is that it was the last album recorded with the original lineup. There were some disagreements within the band about signing with Century Media. Apparently, the label wanted them to spend much more time recording and the like. Ultimately, Rune Bjelland, Audun Wold, and Stein Sund left the band.

Odin Own Ye All
Released: 1998 by Century Media
Tracklist: Leve Vikingeaanden, Out of Ginnungagap, Clash of the Elder, Odin Owns Ye All, Remember Tokk, Home, The Pathfinder & the Prophetess, Inferno, A New Earth.
Notes: This is the first album with the "new" Einherjer. The change from the previous album is enormous! The album is all clean metal, with not a single hint of black metal anywhere. They went from "Fear me as my great horse charges down at you!" to "Let's get drunk and chant some tunes in the Great Hall.". Many fans were confused by this album, and it was basically reviewed as crap. Personal Notes: I was very angry when I bought this album. It was nothing like I had expected, and I was very dissapointed. However, after listening to it over and over it grew on me. It's actually a much happier album than the rest (although the lyrics don't always reflect that). Just don't expect Einherjer to sound like this.

Norwegian Native Art
Released: 2000 by Native North Records (Einherjer's own label)
Tracklist: Wyrd of the Dead, Doomfaring, Hugin's Eyes, Burning Yggdrasil, Crimson Rain, Howl Ravens Come, Draconian Umpire, Regicide.
Notes: This album was released by Einherjer's own label, Native North Records. There was no reason given why they left Century Media. Their sound changed drasticaly as well. Apparently, fans disliked Odin Owns Ye All so much that Einherjer returned (kind of) to the original sound. This album is much darker and gloomier than any others. There's still large choruses and layout, but not as uplifting.