REVIEW: Vildhjarta - + där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar +

Fans of prog metal pioneers Vildhjarta, meaning “Wildheart” in Swedish, are likely thrilled to receive their fifth offering from the band, + där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar +, on May 30th, 2025 - their first full-length release in four years since Masstaden Under Vatten, a continuation of the 2011 classic Masstaden. Clocking in at approximately 56 minutes and 52 seconds, där skogen... is most certainly be a dynamic and immersive listening experience.

Formed in 2005 in Hudiksvall, Sweden, the band comprises of vocalist Vilhelm Bladin, Calle Thomér on guitar and Buster Odeholm on drums. The bands name was inspired by the name of an adventure module for the Swedish tabletop roleplaying game called Drakar Och Demoner, similar to Dungeons and Dragons, and they're known to have lore deeply entrenched within their music. Sonically, they invoke a Meshuggah-inspired, djent style in the form of down-tuned guitars, minor chord progressions and layers of reverb on their guitars, along with atmospheric sounds to further enhance their sonic power. 

Opening the album is '+ byta ut alla stjärnor på himlen mot plustecken +', a 3:45-minute instrumental that lays the groundwork for the intense palette of the album. With its layered, eerie harmonies and shifting time signatures similar to that of Tool, it sets the tone for the chaos and beauty to come further within the album. The second track, '+ två vackra svanar +', immediately hits with Vilhelm Bladin’s unmistakable vocals, supported by thundering drum work and chugging guitar rhythms - a clear standout and likely a new fan favourite for live shows due to the pure energy. 

'+ där mossan möter havet +' and '+ Kristallfågel +' are pure adrenaline, with crushing riffs and unpredictable tempo shifts that make them perfect  for moshes and walls of death. These tracks showcase Vildhjarta's ability to balance brutality with ethereal textures in a way few other bands can, cementing them as a legendary force within the prog metal scene. '+ ? regnet, the ? +' is the only track so far to be accompanied by a full music video. Shot in an intimate, almost ‘behind the scenes’ style, the visuals capture the band's raw essence of their energy during live performances, showcasing their passion for what they do. 

Production-wise, this album is a masterclass. Every layer adds an element of flavour, with moments of crushing heaviness, ambient clarity, and experimental exploration, reminiscent of previous releases. Ahead of release day, the band held an exclusive album release party on May 24th, 2025, at the Mammut Bar in Stockholm, Sweden. Fans in attendance described + där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar + as the band's best album to date, which no doubt will have left their fans across the rest of the world excited to hear what’s to come.

With this LP, Vildhjarta continue to push the boundaries of progressive metal, delivering a record that is both punishing and profound. All eyes are now on what comes next - and whether we can expect a full-scale tour to bring this monstrous album to stages around the world, so we've got our fingers crossed.

Score: 9/10

+ där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar + will be released on May 30th 2025 via Century Media.

Words: Sage James

Photos: Vildhjarta