For more than three decades, Helheim has stood as one of the most respected bands in Viking and Norwegian black metal. In this episode of Tales From The Riff, Moe sits down with Ørjan V’gandr Stedjeberg to discuss the band’s origins in Bergen, the evolution of Viking metal, and the philosophy behind Helheim’s music rooted in Norse mythology and history.

From the early 1990s Norwegian black metal movement to Helheim’s modern progressive era, V’gandr shares insights into songwriting, cultural influences, and what it takes to sustain an extreme metal band for over 30 years.

In this episode of Tales From The Riff, Moe sits down with Ørjan V’gandr Stedjeberg, bassist and vocalist of legendary Norwegian Viking black metal band Helheim.

Formed in Bergen in 1992, Helheim has long stood as one of the most respected bands in the Viking/black metal movement. Throughout the conversation, V’gandr reflects on the band’s evolution across more than three decades, the creative partnership with guitarist H’grimnir, and the philosophy behind Helheim’s blend of aggressive black metal and deep Norse mythology.

Moe and V’gandr also discuss the Bergen metal scene, the importance of cultural history in extreme metal, Helheim’s songwriting process, and how the band continues to push their sound forward while honoring their roots.

If you’re a fan of Viking metal, Norwegian black metal history, and long-standing extreme metal craftsmanship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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In this episode of Tales From The Riff, I’m joined by the enigmatic and uncompromising V. Einride — principal songwriter and driving force behind Norwegian black metal entity Whoredom Rife.

Hailing from Trondheim, Whoredom Rife has carved a distinct path through the modern black metal landscape with a sound that is both reverent of tradition and fiercely contemporary. Across releases like Dommedagskvad, Nid – Hymner av hat, and Winds of Wrath, V. Einride has channeled a vision rooted in atmosphere, militant precision, and deeply personal conviction.

We dive into:

•The philosophical and spiritual backbone of Whoredom Rife

•The evolution of their sound from raw beginnings to razor-sharp modern production

•Trondheim’s black metal legacy and standing apart from scenes centered in Oslo and Bergen

•Songwriting discipline, lyrical intent, and maintaining authenticity in an increasingly digital age

•The tension between mystique and exposure in modern extreme metal

V. Einride speaks candidly about the band’s ideological foundations, creative process, and the importance of artistic integrity over trends. It’s a focused and intense conversation that mirrors the band’s sonic identity — deliberate, cold, and unwavering.